Assessment of market performance of cat fish farmers in Sagamu local government area of Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the market performance of catfish farmers in Sagamu Local Government area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A stage random technique was used to select 106 fish farmers from the study area and an interview schedule was used to elicit information. Results of the study indicated that 44.3 percent were within the age category of 31-40 years. Majority (52.8%), were males and over half of respondents (60.0%) had primary education. Majority (80.4%), were married, (70.0%) were Christians and 47.2 percent had been in the business with 5-10 years of experience. The result of the analysis indicated that fish production was profitable (the net income is N78,838.00. A higher percentage of the respondents access credit for fish farming from the bank (37.7%) and 36.8 percent of the respondents sold to consumers, retailers and wholesalers. Hypothesis testing indicated no significant relationship between sex(χ²=0.863, P>0.05),religion (χ²=0.134, P>0.05) and the market performance but a significant relationship between age (χ²=17.966, P>0.05), marital status(X2=51.293 P>0.05),educational level(χ²=37.6468, P>0.05),year of experience (X2=27.883, P>0.05), main occupation (χ²=32.670, P>0.05) and the market performance. It was founded that most of the farmers are males with little education. Government should organize an enlightenment programme that will educate and improve the knowledge and skills of both males and female fish farmers which will shed more light on fish production.

Keywords: Assessment, market performance, catfish farmers, production