Socio-economic factors affecting productivity small scale cat-fish farming in Eruwa area of Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Fish is an important component of the population's diet in many parts of the world and production has increased rapidly over the past hundred years due to improved technology, which showcases powerful engines and solar equipment. This study was conducted to evaluate the socio-economic factors affecting small scale cat fish farmers in Eruwa Area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Primary data was obtained from 100 respondents with structured questionnaires, using multi-stsage smpling technique. The results revealed that majority (84%) of the fish farmers were male, 33% were in the active age distribution of 20-30 years, 64% were married and 44% of the respondents had a household size of 2-3 persons. Regression analysis revealed that Occupation r = 0.037, Labour r = 0.045, Type of farming practices r= 0.000 and Experience r = 0.014 have a significant relationship with fish farming in the study area. Implications for this study is that occupation, labour, type of farming practices and experience were essential factors affecting small scale cat fish farmers in the study area. Therefore, small scale farmers should be trained on modern fish farming practices, methods of reducing labour cost and form a cooperative for acquiring of inputs and equipment to boost production.