The analysis of technical and cost efficiency of cultured fish production in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to analyse the Technical efficiency of cultured fish production in Kwara state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study estimated the technical efficiency of cultured fish farms; examined cost efficiency and long term elasticity of cultured fish production. The data used for this study were collected over one production cycle in 2013 using a well-structured questionnaire. A total of 63 respondents were drawn from a sampling frame of 121 registered cultured fish farmers through random sampling technique. Analytical tools used for the study was Stochastic Frontier Model (SFM). The findings of the study revealed that cultured fish farms in Kwara States operated with mean Technical Efficiency (TE) of 83.62%; cost efficiency in cultured fish production among farmers was less than unity; long-run total cost elasticity of production was less than one in all cases implying that cultured fish production process in the study area is in the zone of increasing returns. The study therefore recommended that the government should facilitate a policy of reduction in the cost of inputs. A reduction in costs may lead to an increased output and thereby reduce the supply-demand gap for fish in the state. In addition, the fish farmers should be provided with the services of well-trained extension workers who will be there to guide them appropriately on production best practices to enable farmers improve upon farm efficiency.

Keywords:Technical efficiency, Cost Efficiency, Cultured fish Production and Kwara State