Benue State University, Makurdi

EFFECIENCY OF RESOURCE USE IN FISH FARMING: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY IN BENUE STATE

Kelvins Terhemba Adzer and Dominic Zaan Agba

Abstract

In spite of Nigeria’s efforts over the years to guarantee food security, evidence on ground reveals that the food insecurity virus is getting more entrenched in the country. In view of this, the study examined the extent to which fish farming can be used to reduce food insecurity in Benue State. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires. The stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain 80 respondents in the study area. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cobb-Douglas production function to determine the efficiency or otherwise of resource use in fish farming. In this regard, the logarithmic linear multiple regression model was estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique. The result of the adjusted R of 0.62 implied that the explanatory variables accounted for 62.0% variation on the dependent variable. Also, the F-Statistic value of 20.881 is significant at 5% significant level, implying that efficient use of resources impact positively on the output level of fish. It was however noted that efficiency of resource use is not the major determinant of food security in the study area and this is shown by the insignificant values (except that of cash expenditure) of the t-statistics. The results showed among other things, that the farmers were operating in stage I because MPP values are greater than APP values (i.e MPP>APP), implying that the farmers were technically inefficient in the use of inputs. Also, the MVP of the factor inputs was greater than their marginal costs (MFC), implying that these inputs were not optimally utilized. It is suggested in the study that government should provide improved fish species, provide loans and educate farmers in the fight to reduce food insecurity.

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