FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVITY OF POND FISH FARMING IN IBADAN/ IBARAPA AGRICULTURAL ZONE, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish is an important source of animal protein but production level is insufficient to meet the
consumption requirement of Nigerian population. The study examined the determinants of pond fish
productivity in Ibadan/ Ibarapa Agricultural Zone, Oyo State. Primary data were collected using
structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques
and Cobb-Douglas production function. The findings show that a fish farmer was relatively 40 years
old with 4 years of experience. Majority (54.7%) had higher education, 80.2% used earthen pond,
95.3% cultured only catfish while 18.6% were primarily engaged in fish farming. Budgetary
estimates show that the respondents earned an average net income of N 294,714. 31. Fish productivity
was significantly increased by marital status (p<0.10), household size (p<0.10),previous farm income
(p<0.01), pond water (p < 0.01) and feed (p < 0.01) while primary occupation (p<0.10), fish farming
experience (p<0.10),fertilizer (p<0.05) and lime (p<0.10) negatively affected fish productivity. The
major constraints were high cost of feed (80.2%), inadequate fund (67.4%) and poor medication/ feed
materials (60.5%). The study concluded that fish farming is lucrative. Therefore, government should
promote the provision of credits, quality feeds and medication materials at affordable prices for
increased fish production.