AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING NET VALUE ADDITION OF ACTORS IN CATFISH VALUE CHAIN IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Simonyan, J. B., Opute, E. N and Amusa, T. A.

Abstract
The study investigated socio-economic factors influencing net value addition of actors (producers, processors and marketers) in catfish value chain in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select 180 actors of catfish value chain which include 60 catfish producers, 60 catfish processors and 60 catfish marketers across the three agricultural zones of the state. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The result of the regression analysis revealed that five variables which include: educational qualification, quantity of fingerling, pond size, extension contact and age significantly influenced net value addition of catfish producers at 1% and 5%. Six variables that significantly influenced net value addition of catfish processors include years of experience, labour input, credit access, transaction cost, distance to market and price of fresh catfish at 1% and 5%. The result of the regression analysis also showed educational qualification, years of experience, gender, household size and credit accesssignificantly influenced net value addition of catfish marketers at 1%, 5% and 10%. Based on the findings, the study among others recommended that government and development agencies should assist chain actors through capacity building and that government should provide regular extension service to enlighten the catfish value chain actors and create awareness on the effective method of fishing, processing and marketing.