ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FISH VALUE CHAIN IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the economic analysis of fish value chain in Taraba State, Nigeria. The broad objective of the study was to analyze the fish value chain in Taraba State. The specific objectives were to described the socio-economic characteristics of the actors in the value chain, to determine the cost and return of the various actors among the value chain and also to identify the problem encountered in fresh fish value chain. Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were used to analyzed the data obtained from the analysis it was found that females were found to dominate fresh fish marketing and processing nodes with about 68%, and 89%, respectively, while male (72%) dominate the production node and were also the majority (61%) of the consumers’ household heads. Fish processors into dried/smoked in wet season made the highest margin of ₦3,302,000.00/kg, followed by fish processors into dried/smoked in dry season with ₦2,232,000.00/kg and roasted/fried fish marketers made the least gross margin of ₦416,202.17/kg Fish roasting (pepper-fish), frying, smoking and sun drying were the value addition carried out. Major constraints were inadequate capital, poor storage facilities, and high cost of transportation. It is recommended that cooperative society should be formed by the actors for the provision of storage facilities (cold room) in the market that will be conducive for storage of fish. Government should assist the fish marketers by reducing the tax imposed on them and providing them with loans and transportation facilities.