Benson Idahosa University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

This study was carried out to examine the profitability, viability and constraints of small
scale catfish farming in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. One hundred
and twenty small scale catfish farmers were randomly sampled from twelve communities
purposively selected from the study area. Data were collected with the aid of wellstructured
questionnaire augmented with scheduled interview and discussion with the
respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive analytical tools such as tables,
frequencies and percentages. The results of the analysis showed that 90% of the farmers
are males; majority fell within the age bracket of 26-55 years. Most of them are fairly
educated, majority are married (73.4%) with a mean household size of six persons. The
net profit technique was used to estimate the profitability level of the enterprise and
benefit cost ratio was used to assess the viability of the venture, while ranking was used
to analyze the problems faced by the farmers. The analysis estimated an average
operating cost of N267,029.67; an average total fixed cost (depreciation) of N29,689.24
and an average net farm income of N577,367.42. This result showed that catfish farming
is a profitable enterprise. The benefit-cost ratio was 2.95 which implied that for every
one naira (N1) spent N2.95 was realised. High prices of fish feed and fingerlings,
inadequate water supply, communal land ownership, inadequate extension services, lack
of capital, diseases and pests were the top ranking constraints faced by catfish farmers.
The study therefore suggests provision of conducive environment for sustainable cat fish
production through provision of credit facilities, formulation and implementation of
proper policies on aquaculture by the government and relevant stakeholders.