ANALYSIS OF RESOURCE-USE EFFICIENCY OF CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) PRODUCTION IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency of catfish production was conducted in Jos-Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected with the aid of questionnaires from 75 farmers drawn through multistage random sampling technique. Stochastic Frontier Production Function model was used for the analysis. The result of Stochastic frontier production analysis shows that the diagnostics of the model indicated goodness of fit of the model and the presence of inefficiency among catfish farmers. Important production and socioeconomic factors relating to production efficiency were fingerlings, fertilizers, feed, labour, fuel, water pond size, age, level of education, and fish farming experience and were all significant. Therefore, policies targeted more at young fish farmers, educated, experienced fish farmers and membership of cooperative associations should be formulated. Also, to increase efficient use of resources, it was recommended that farmers should be sensitised to adopt management strategies that will help in increasing on resource use efficiency. Policy encouraging access to subsidised fish production inputs delivery services are importanAnalysis of Resource Use Efficiency of catfish production was conducted in Jos-Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected with the aid of questionnaires from 75 farmers drawn through multistage random sampling technique. Stochastic Frontier Production Function model was used for the analysis. The result of Stochastic frontier production analysis shows that the diagnostics of the model indicated goodness of fit of the model and the presence of inefficiency among catfish farmers. Important production and socioeconomic factors relating to production efficiency were fingerlings, fertilizers, feed, labour, fuel, water pond size, age, level of education, and fish farming experience and were all significant. Therefore, policies targeted more at young fish farmers, educated, experienced fish farmers and membership of cooperative associations should be formulated. Also, to increase efficient use of resources, it was recommended that farmers should be sensitised to adopt management strategies that will help in increasing on resource use efficiency. Policy encouraging access to subsidised fish production inputs delivery services are important