Cost and returns analysis of catfish marketing in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the cost and returns of catfish marketing in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. Specifically, the study ascertained the socioeconomic profile of respondents, ascertained costs, returns and net returns of the marketers, determined the marketing margin, marketing efficiency and market share of participants in the market and estimated the determinants of income from catfish marketing. The constraints militating against catfish marketing were also identified. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in sampling 60 catfish marketers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using net returns and regression models. Results showed that majority of the respondents were male within active working age of 37 years. About 72% of the marketers were married, and 93.3% of them had formal education. The marketing of catfish was found to be viable as indicated by positive net returns of N109,539.67 per month. The coefficient of marketing efficiency was 83.8%, while the market share for wholesalers and retailers was 41.17 and 58.2%, respectively. Result of regression analysis indicated that marketing experience, age, education and quantity of catfish handled were significant at various probability levels. Inadequate capital and high cost of transportation were the major constraints to catfish marketing. It was recommended that catfish marketers should form cooperative society to enhance their access to finance, and the relevant variables that significantly influenced net income should be considered in policy issues.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fresh catfish trade in local government areas in Nigeria: A case study

“…This analysis concurs with that of Okeke and Nwoye (2019), who found that the bulk of the fresh catfish traders in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State were in the age bracket of 25 to 40 years. This is also consistent with the results of Njoku and Offor (2016), who revealed that the majority of the catfish traders in Aba South Local Government Area were between the economic working age of 30-38 years and the age of 38 years.…”

“…This indicates that catfish trading in Uvwie is mainly carried out by women, implying that women are the backbone of the catfish trade (Cheke, 2014). The predominance of females in the fresh catfish trade in Uvwie could be related to the fact that women perform a major role in improving the economic conditions of their families and the nation in general (Njoku and Offor, 2016). The results of this study are in tandem with the findings of Igwe et al (2021), who were of the opinion that the majority of the catfish traders in Onitsha North and South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria were females (89%).…”

“…Fish marketing refers to all the activities carried out from the point of catching the fish to the place or time it reaches the ultimate consumer (Njoku and Offor, 2016). According to Folayan and Folayan (2017), fish marketing is best described as being in the infant stage when compared to its broader market potential.…”

“…According to Folayan and Folayan (2017), fish marketing is best described as being in the infant stage when compared to its broader market potential. Catfish is one of the most commercially valuable freshwater fish in Africa and most developing nations (Njoku and Offor, 2016). The catfish trade provides a significant level of foreign exchange to the exporting countries, as well as generating employment for local producers and marketers, and helps to curb the food insecurity of the populace (FAO, 2007).…”

Socio-Economic and Cost Benefits of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Marketing in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…Women are generally involved in marketing fresh catfish in Nigeria, as women are well known to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of any venture in which they are involved, due to their accommodating and diligent approach to activities (Raney et al 2011;Doss 2018). The result of this study showed that all fresh catfish sellers were female which is in contrast with the findings of Ayanboye et al (2015) who reported 85% female and 15% male in Ibarapa zone of Oyo, State and Njoku and Offor (2016) who stated that 65% of catfish sellers were males and 35% female in Aba South LGA of Abia State.…”