ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FISH FARMING IN UVWIE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

This study analyzed the economic analysis of fish farming in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. A sample of 50 fish farmers was randomly selected from two towns in Uvwie (Ekpan and Ugboroke). Data was collected in 2013 production season through administration of questionnaires to the fish farmers. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics, simple percentage and frequency, while gross margin analysis was used to estimate the cost and returns in fish production. Data on the socio-economic characteristics of farmers revealed that most fish farmers (56%) in the study area were females, age between 20-60 years old. About 50% of fish farmers were married and 62% had tertiary education. About 36% were regularly visited by extension agents while 64% were not visited. The major problems faced by the fish farmers were finance, high cost of feeding and flood. The result of the data analysis shows that average total cost (TC) of N347,000 was incurred, total revenue (TR) of N405,000 was realized and a returning gross margin (GM) of N58,000. The benefit cost ratio was 1.17. This is an indication that fish farming is profitable in the study area. It is capable of creating employment, increasing and improving the standard of living of the people. It is recommended that all fish farmer should join farmers association in order to improve their financial base for fish farming business.