Optimal Resource Allocation in Integrated Fish-Based Farming Systems in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The broad objective of this study was to determine the optimal resource allocation in integrated fish-based farming (IFF) system in Kaduna metropolis of Nigeria. Primary data were generated and used for the study. The data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire administered to one hundred and thirty eight (138) fish-based farmers and were analyzed using linear programming model. The results of the linear programming model shows that resource allocation of integrated fish-based farming system showed that the mean labour input (131 man days) utilized in fish-vegetable farming was the highest among the three categories. Integrated fish-pig farming had the highest input of fingerlings with a mean of 3150. The results of the optimal base plan shows that the three integrated fish-based farming activities (decision variables) entered the final fish-based farming plan/solution as they had zero reduced cost (opportunity cost), indicating that these enterprises were in the best competitive positions. Finally, results of the resource use efficiency indicated that Day-old chicks, number of piglets and pond size were the limiting (binding) resources. The resources that were not binding were labour, number of fingerlings, feeds, drugs, lime, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and pen size. It is therefore, suggested that some of the labour being employed be channel to non-agricultural sectors for productive use, feeds and drugs usage be minimized and excess be used for expansion of the farm and other related enterprises.