Participation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Cultural Fish Value Chain in Niger State, Nigeria

Participation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Cultural Fish Value Chain in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract:

This research examines the involvement of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the culture fish value chain within Niger State, Nigeria. Fish is a valuable protein source for human consumption. The study’s objectives encompass describing the socio-economic attributes of SMEs, analyzing the various SMEs operating in the cultured fish value chain, assessing income disparities among SMEs along the cultured fish value chain, investigating factors influencing SMEs’ profits within the value chain, and evaluating constraints faced by different SMEs involved in the cultured fish value chain. The research employs a multi-stage sampling method, leading to a total of 216 respondents comprising 79 producers, 75 processors, and 62 marketers. The data collection involved questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Analysis techniques encompass descriptive statistics, flowcharts, farm budgeting, and inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis. Results reveal that the mean ages of producers, processors, and marketers were 42, 40, and 42 years, respectively. Most producers, processors, and marketers (93.8%, 68.0%, and 71.2% respectively) were male, indicating male dominance in cultured fish farming. The average household sizes were 7, 7, and 8 for producers, processors, and marketers respectively. Education levels were relatively high, with most participants having at least a primary school education, enabling them to adopt new innovations. The average farming experience of producers, processors, and marketers was 11.4, 10, and 8 years respectively. Cost and return analysis indicated profitability across the value chain. Challenges encountered by value chain actors included lack of ready markets, water shortages, inadequate extension services, high fingerlings cost, limited access to credit, poor market information, and inadequate storage facilities. The study concludes that cultured fish farming enhances shelf-life, creates job opportunities, and alleviates rural poverty. Recommendations include improving rural infrastructure and enhancing the role of extension agents in disseminating innovative ideas and technologies to farmers.

Participation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Cultural Fish Value Chain in Niger State, Nigeria,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS