Determinants of Small Scale Fish Farming in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Socio-economic factors such as age, household size, education etc can influence the level of income from investment to a considerable extent. A fuller explanation of the technical aspect of farmers behaviour can be obtained through the combination of socio-demographic and economic variables. Consequently socio-economic variables like gender, age, marital status, educational status, major occupation and input variables like expenditure were subjected to regression analysis using the Ordinary Least Squares Method (OLS). The primary objective of this study was to identity the major constraints to increased returns from fish farming in the study area. The regression parameter estimates showed that, gender, age, marital status, education, primary occupation, feed, labour and size of pond were all important determinants of fish output. Based on the these findings, the study recommended that access to capital and borrowing costs should be improved. Producer organizations that can serve as a lobby and information group should be encouraged. Finally effective producer organization that can market their fish products should be encouraged, these will ensure high quality of products.