Abstract

This study compared intensive and semi-intensive aquaculture systems among fish farmers in Edo State, Nigeria, focusing on productivity, cost efficiency, determinants, and constraints. A descriptive and analytical survey design was adopted, involving 150 fish farmers selected through stratified sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and multiple regression analysis. Findings show that intensive systems record higher productivity (mean = 3.40) than semi-intensive systems (mean = 2.85), though at significantly higher operational costs, particularly for feed, energy, and capital inputs. Semiintensive systems demonstrate lower productivity but greater cost efficiency and resilience to input price shocks. Regression results indicate that technical skill, capital investment, feed management, and water quality significantly influence productivity in both systems (R² = 0.66, p < 0.05), with stronger effects observed in intensive systems. Major constraints in intensive systems include high feed cost, unstable power supply, and capital intensity, while semiintensive systems are more constrained by limited technical skills. Both systems strongly support interventions such as government support, access to credit, training, and energy solutions, though priorities differ by system type. The study concludes that intensive aquaculture enhances output but is cost- and infrastructure-dependent, whereas semi-intensive systems offer stability with lower productivity. It recommends a hybrid aquaculture approach combining efficiency and resilience, alongside improved training, credit access, and renewable energy adoption to enhance sustainable aquaculture development in Edo State