Socio-Economics Of Catfish Husbandry

The study was to determine the socio-economics of catfish husbandry in Chikun local government of Kaduna State Nigeria. A Sample of 80 respondents was selected for the study through simple random sampling technique and data were collected from them with the use of structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics gross margin and net farm income analysis and profitability ratios. The study findings show that most of the The data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as the percentage and frequency table averages also the gross margin analysis and farm net income was used. The result showed that most of the catfish farmers are within the age range of 36.55 years it also shows that 75 of the farmers are males and 25 are female 90 of the respondents are married. All the respondents are educated with majority having tertiary education level. Considering the socio-cultural feasibility factors the 88 of the respondents admitted that the level of social acceptability is high 9 said that the level of social acceptability is low. Considering cultural compatibility 98 of the respondents said that the practise is compatible with their culture. In terms of job satisfaction 90 of the respondents admitted that the level of satisfaction is high. About 68 of the respondents considers the level of group formation to be low 30 and the level of group formation is medium. 22.5 of the respondents admitted that the practice is quite interesting and are practicing it for pleasure. It was also discovered from the result of this study that about 41 of the respondents practice full-time catfish farming hwile about 58 carry out part-time catfish farming along side with other economic activities. Also majority of the farmers in the study area had years of experience in catfish husbandry ranging from 1-5years. Expressing their perception on the market performance of catfish about 79 of the responents said the market is excellent and this is due to the hihg level of demand of catfish. In terms of storage and processing 29 of the respondents consider the makret level to be excellent 60 said it is good and 11 said the market level on the basis of storage and processing is fair. Also about 72.5 of the respondents said based on the lelve of availbility and accessiblity to inputs the market performance of catfish is good 22.5 of the respondents consider the market performace of the fair while 5 consider the market level to be poor.Respondents admitted that catfish husbandry is capital intensive. Cost and returns analysis showed an average gross margin of N228778.50 per production and a total net income of N 84128.50 indicating how lucrative the enterprise is. In terms of management practices about 61 of the respondents considered management practices of catfish to be intensive in terms of capital labour. It was also observed that 70 the respondents source knowledge on catfish management from friends and fellow farmers other sources identified are journalstext books internet. In terms of supportive services majority of the respondents requires support in areas of medical and veterinary services credit services training services etc. about 53 of the respondents suggested that government should provide the various services needed about 24 of the respondents suggested that the research institute should be the one to provide the supportive services. Majority of the farmers are faced with challenges such as high cost of inputs water quality problem stock quality problem lack of capital resources for start-up farmers or for expansion for practicing farmers and knowledge on appropriate medication. Opportunities identified in catfish husbandry are its economic advantage and provision of employment.