AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
Fisheries is one of the key priority sub-sectors that can contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction and food security in Nigeria. And smallholder fish producers play a vital role in food production and poverty reduction yet they have to cope with numerous challenges including inefficient management of resources. But using appropriate technology and the right resource mix, small holder fish farmers can engineer a sustainable fish revolution. An empirical study was therefore, conducted in Akwa Ibom State to estimate the efficiency of input use in fish production. Specifically, the study estimated the determinants of efficiency in fish production. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 90 fish farmers for the study. With the aid of questionnaires, primary data were obtained from the farmers. Stochastic frontier production function which incorporates a model for explainer of inefficiency was employed to analyze the data. Using the maximum likelihood estimation technique, asymptotic parameter estimates were evaluated to describe input efficiency determinants. Results revealed that the most critical input in fish production were feed with an elasticity of 0.6812, followed by fingerlings with an elasticity of 0.4108 and labour with an elasticity of 0.3157. Findings further showed that the mean age and years of formal education of the fish farmers were 48 and 22 years respectively. Results revealed that the most important explainers of inefficiency in fish production were education and fishing experience. Results showed that the mean input use efficiency was 0.71 (71 percent) leaving an inefficiency gap of 0.29 (29 percent), suggesting that about 29 percent of fish product could be accomplished using the same input mix. Policies to stimulate the local feed production and credit availability would be rational decisions.