Empirical Assessment of Productivity and Profitability Responses to Cooperative-Based Institutional Support in Aquaculture Production Systems in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aquaculture production in Nigeria has expanded rapidly in response to increasing demand for fish protein; however, the productivity and profitability of small- and medium-scale production systems remain constrained by limited access to quality inputs, credit, training, and organized markets. Cooperative-based institutional arrangements have been promoted as mechanisms for addressing these constraints, yet empirical evidence on their performance effects within high-cost urban aquaculture environments remains limited. This study examined the productivity and profitability responses of aquaculture production systems to cooperative-based institutional support in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and primary data were collected from 120 aquaculture farmers comprising 111 cooperative members and 9 non-members selected through multi-stage sampling. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and multiple linear regression models were used for data analysis. Composite indices were constructed for productivity and profitability. Results show that cooperative membership exerts a positive and statistically significant effect on productivity (β = 0.46, p = 0.009) and profitability (β = 0.54, p = 0.007). Cooperative members recorded higher technical efficiency, better input quality, reduced production costs, and improved return on investment compared to non-members. Socio-demographic variables such as age, education, and farming experience were not significant determinants of performance, indicating that institutional factors play a more dominant role. The findings demonstrate that cooperative-based institutional support functions as a productivity- and profitability-enhancing input within aquaculture production systems. Strengthening cooperative access to affordable credit, quality input supply, technical training, and organized marketing is therefore critical for improving system efficiency, enterprise profitability, and sustainable aquaculture development in Lagos State.