Analysis of catfish value chain in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

Capture fisheries production has increased sharply, and its contribution to economic growth of the region and welfare of the people in Akwa Ibom State have been quite significant. Up to now, micro-analyses of artisanal and capture fisheries, especially catfish (Clarias gariepinus) have often been carried out. Nevertheless, the competitiveness analysis of catfish capture is still limited; also, there is lack of development policies for capture and artisanal fisheries based on economic analyses. Therefore, this paper aims to come up with economic policies supporting the development of artisanal and capture fisheries in Akwa Ibom State. Data was collected in Akwa Ibom State. The types of data used include catfish value chain data, and farmers’ costs and incomes. The Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) method was used to reach the objective of this study. The study found that the Private Cost Ratio (PCR) was 0.61 for producers, 0.96 for processors and 0.59 for marketers which means that the production of agricultural goods was profitable for the farmers. In turn, the Domestic Resources Cost Ratio (DRC) was 0.17 for producers, 0.65 for processors and 0.34 for marketers, meaning that the value of domestic resources used in production is lower than the value of foreign exchange earned or saved; this indicates that the industry might have a comparative advantage. Research implications showed that the catfish fisheries business generated economic and financial benefits for local fishermen. It would be more advantageous to be able to compete with catfish from other regions as well as other countries, particularly if supported by government policies for a consistent and sustainable stabilization of input prices and production output of catfish fisheries.