AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF POND FISH OUTPUT IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Agom D. I., Udoh E. S., and Udoka S. J.

Abstract
Pond fish production has contributed to food security, rural income generation, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. Many developing nations have prioritized pond fish production as a critical sector for national development. This study investigated the socio-economic factors that influence the output of pond fish farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 110 pond fish farmers using structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the mean output of fish was 2,290.73kg, while the mean expenditure on feed and mean labor cost were N664,310.00 and N 292.60 respectively. The average age of the respondents was 51.69 years, with a mean household size of about 6 persons, and the mean years of formal schooling was 8.59. Also, the mean years of experience in fish production was about 10.17 years while the mean stock size was 1,718. The results of the regression analysis showed that variables such as farming experience (p<0.10), pond size (p<0.10), labor cost (p<0.01), expenditure on feed (p<0.01), and stock size (p<0.05) had a positive and statistically significant influence on the output of pond fish production in the study area. It is recommended that private feed mills should be encouraged to use local materials for feed production to reduce the high cost of feed.