Author(s): Fon Dorothy Engwali, Bambi Doubia Brenda and Efole Thomas Ewoukem

Abstract: This study on the evaluation of the economic performance of freshwater fish farming in the Wouri division, of the Littoral region, Cameroon has as main objective to evaluate the economic performance of freshwater fish farming. Specifically, to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the fresh water fish farmers; to identify the species of freshwater fishes produced and predominant fish farming practices; to determine the gross margin, net farm income and net return on investment of fish farming and to identify the constraints that affect the fish farming sector in the study area. To achieve these objectives data were collected from 30 freshwater fish farmers and analysed using descriptive statistics and economic analysis tools. The findings revealed that respondents are mostly educated married trained young men with an average family size of five persons. Monoculture of African catfish in concrete ponds is practiced by all the respondents. Calculations of the costs and returns on investment show that this farming practice is highly profitable in the study area with a gross margin of 36,110,163.72 FCFA; a net farm income of 33,979,832.14 FCFA and a net return on investment of 1.68. Constraints faced by these fish farmers include the high cost of feed and fingerlings, lack of adequate funds, and land acquisition. It is therefore recommended that, fish farmers form cooperatives with the assistance of governmental organisations and other organized private sector institutions to establish fish feed mill for quality feeds at affordable price.

Pages: 200-207  |  924 Views  194 Downloads

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