Economics of Commercial Fish Farming in Earthen Ponds in Nigeria: Privatization of Fish Farms

Abstract

"The construction and management of a series of ponds for commercial freshwater fish production are discussed in details with the sole aim of making profit. The management is based on polyculture of Tilapia (Oreochrornis niloticus) and catfishes ('Clarias garicpinus 'and 'Heterobranchus spp' and their hybrids).

"Based on financial analysis of a five hectare commercial fish farm, a bank loan of NlO,000,000,00 will be needed and within a pay back period of 2.3 years, a good return on investment will be realized. Government Commercial fish farms of this magnitude that are no longer run as a profitable venture are recommended for privatization. This will surely provide more employment, generate income and alleviate poverty, especially among the rural dwellers."