Estimates of Profitability and Technical Efficiency of Artisanal Fishermen: A Case of Natural Lakes from Plateau State, Nigeria

摘要

This study examines the Net Farm Income (NFI), profitability index and technical efficiency of artisanal fishing in five natural lakes in plateau state, central Nigeria, with a view to examine the level of exploitation of captured inland fisheries as a renewable resource in the country. Data were collected using questionnaire from 110 sample fishermen selected from Polmakat, Shimankar, Deben, Janta and Pandam lakes using multi-stage sampling technique and analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques (net farm income) and stochastic frontier production function model. The study reveals a net farm income of ?48, 734.57 and a profitability index of ?7.67. The mean technical efficiency of 83% was obtained, indicating that the sample fishermen were relatively efficient in allocating their limited resources. The result of the analysis indicates that 72% of variation in the fishermen output was as a result of the presence of technical inefficiency effect in the fishery, showing a potential of about 17% chance for improvement in technical efficiency level. Some observable variables relating to socioeconomics characteristics such as extension contact, experience and educational status significantly explain variation in technical efficiency. Transformation for effective and sustainable fisheries exploitation will need the education of fishermen, extension education and redefinition of property rights.