Fish Farmer Transaction Costs and Profitability Along Aquaculture Marketing Channels in Cameroon

A fundamental concern of aquaculture development in Cameroon is the efficient marketing of farmed-fish products. Using cross-sectional data from a farm household survey, we employed a multinomial logit model and gross margin analysis to assess how transaction costs affect fish farmers’ choices of marketing channel, and its implications for their livelihoods. Farmers’ bargaining power, access to extension services and group membership are important drivers of their marketing channel choices. The results equally show that although selling at the farm gate is the most common fish market outlet, the urban market outlet is the most efficient. This study reinforces the importance of institutional economics in understanding how fish markets operate, given that channel choice is principally determined by institutional factors such as group membership, access to extension service and transaction costs. Empowering fish farmers by improving rural infrastructure, enhancing the extension services, and strengthening the capacity of farmer groups would not only support sustainable economic growth and food security, but would also increase the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. Key words: Cameroon, income, farmed-fish, livelihood