Assessment of catfish farming in Osogbo (Nigeria) and its environs

As Fish farming (Aquaculture) is the most efficient husbandry method for animal protein production, an assessment of catfish farming in Osogbo and Osun state was undertaken. An assessment was carried out among 53 catfish farmers between January and April, 2013 using questionnaires conducted via face-to-face interviews. The results revealed that there are large numbers of fish farms in and around the Osogbo area. Twenty (37.74%) of the fish farms are commercial farms while thirty-three (62.36%) are homestead. Results also showed that there were more males are than females working in these fish farms. The two prominent religious faiths, Islam and Christianity are both represented by the employees, indicating that it there are no religious restrictions. The semi-intensive system of fish farming with concrete and earthen ponds was being adopted by the farmers and there has been steady development over the last five years. Insufficient funds for expansion, unpredictable weather, fishseed mortality, irregular price of feed ingredients and pricing of products, among other factors, are the major challenges faced. Useful suggestions and recommendations are offered to address these challenges and sustain business growth.