Comparative Analysis of the Profitability of Catfish, Tilapia and Carp Production in South-East Nigeria

The study compared the profitability of catfish, tilapia and carp production in South-East Nigeria. Three states, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi were randomly selected from the five states that make up the south-east geo-political zone. All the registered fish farmers in three states were selected for the study. This gave a sample size of 192 respondents. Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Budgetary technique was used to determine gross margin. Profitability ratios were calculated to determine economic performances of catfish, tilapia and carp production. Results show that fish farming is dominated by males (73.0%) with an average age of 47 years. Majority of the farmers (44.80%) have a bachelor's degree /HND. The gross margin analysis and profitability ratios revealed that catfish farming is the most profitable in the area with a net income (profit) of N 326,450, and a BCR of 1.26. High cost of farm input and poor access to credit facilities have greatly discouraged many people from venturing into fish farming it was recommended that more fish hatcheries and feed mills be constructed to reduce the problems fish farmers face in the zone.