Assessment of Fish Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria: Livelihoods Strategies

Abstract

The study assessed the fish farmers' livelihood in Camp 74 community, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study focused on the farmer's socioeconomic profile, contribution of fish farming to fish farmers' livelihood status, challenges of fish farming and strategies employed by fish farmers in tackling challenges. By purposive sampling, a sample size of 50 respondents was used for the study. A well structure questionnaire was used in conducting the research. The data collected were subjected to frequency distribution, linear Regression and Chi-square. The results showed that more respondent (74%) had social benefit from fish farming, youth respondents (62%) are engaged in fish farming as source of livelihood. Respondents (68%) attested that fish farming reduced hunger and increased fish availability all year round with better income generation and savings. It was revealed that the various contributions of selected livelihood components had a pooled mean = 1.67. Again, with the index value = 0.56, it implies a very high impact contribution of aquaculture to livelihood pattern. However, challenges to fish farming were among others high cost of fingerlings (mean = 3.54), weak government support (mean = 3.22) and non-visitation of extension workers (mean = 3.06). Respondents most important strategies to overcome challenges were assessed to improved varieties of fingerlings (mean = 3.42) and inclusion cooperative society in feed supply (mean = 3.12). The regression and chi-square results were significant (p<0.05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that government should participate more in fish farming activities to improve livelihoods.