Empirical Analysis of the Socioeconomic Determinants of Catfish Production Efficiency in South West Nigeria

This study empirically analysed the socioeconomic determinants of production efficiency among catfish farmers in Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos states, South West Nigeria. Despite the rapid expansion of catfish aquaculture in the region, wide heterogeneity in farm-level efficiency suggests that significant untapped productivity potential remains. The stochastic frontier analysis framework was employed using primary data from 210 catfish farms selected through multistage random sampling. Farm-level technical efficiency scores were estimated, and determinants were analysed using the inefficiency effects model. Key input variables included feed quantity, fingerling number, labour, pond area, and chemical inputs. Results showed a mean technical efficiency score of 0.64, indicating that farms produced at only 64 percent of their frontier potential on average. Among efficiency determinants, extension contact frequency, level of education, and cooperative membership were positively associated with technical efficiency. Farm age and stocking density management experience were also significant predictors. Distance to input markets and irregular electricity supply were identified as significant sources of inefficiency. Farmers without extension contact were on average 23 percent less efficient than those with regular contact. Regional variation was significant, with Ogun State farms recording marginally higher mean efficiency than Lagos and Oyo State counterparts, reflecting differences in input market access. The study contributes empirical evidence on efficiency heterogeneity in Nigerian catfish aquaculture and recommends extension investment, cooperative development, and input market infrastructure improvement as priority interventions for narrowing the efficiency gap in South West Nigeria. Keywords: technical efficiency, stochastic frontier analysis, catfish farming, South West Nigeria, aquaculture