Economic Analysis of Dried (CAT) Fish Marketing in Oyo State Nigeria

Abstract

This study compares the profitability of dried fish marketing in Surulere and Ogbomoso South Local Government Areas of Oyo State. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified activities involved in catfish marketing and estimate the cost and return of catfish marketing in the study area. It identifies the factors affecting the quality and quantity of catfish marketed and problem encountered by catfish marketers in the study area. Primary data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools from one hundred and twenty (120) respondents through personal interview schedule. The results from the finding revealed that majority of the respondents in study areas (Surulere and Ogbomoso south) were female which accounted for about 65.6% and 76.3% respectively. The age distribution of the dried fish marketers was within the range of 31-40 years which has the highest number of dried fish marketers in the study areas. In the two LGAs, 60.7% and 62.7% of the respondents were married respectively. More than average (54.1% and 61.0%) respondents had secondary education in Surulere and Ogbomoso South respectively. Their primary occupation is farming with a percentage of 86.9% and 89.8% respectively. In conclusion, dried fish marketing was found to be profitable with a gross margin of ?28293.59 and ?41666.82 respectively. The study confirmed a relative difference of benefit - cost ratio of 1.30 in Surulere and 1.35 in Ogbomoso-South local government area. The major constraints faced by dried fish marketers was poor access to market. Price stabilization and access to credit should be given priorities so as to minimize the risk associated with dried fish marketing in the study area.