Analysis of Production Relationships in the Capture Fishery of the Middle Cross River Basin: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Aims: Aims of the study were to carry out an empirical analysis of fish production in the capture fishery subsector. Estimates were to be made of the maximum likelihood production and inefficiency frontier functions. Also analysis of the determinants of technical efficiency was done in both rainy and dry seasons.

Study Design: Primary data were collected from fishermen through the use of questionnaires and measurement of fish catch.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Middle Cross River Basin, Nigeria between April 2010 and March 2011

Methodology: Multistage purposive and random sampling procedures were adopted for data collection.

Results: Findings show that labour and credit were the most important variables in fish production in the capture fishery subsector. Determinants of technical efficiency were age, fishing experience, educational level contact with extension and canoe length. The mean technical efficiency is 86% while the range is 48-99%.

Conclusions: Recommendations were made on timely and appropriately sized credit for fishermen according to seasonal needs. The use of appropriate mesh size of nets should be a policy issue that is monitored and enforced.