PREFERENCE/SOURCES OF FISHING INFORMATION FOR ARTISANAL FISH FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATES, NIGERIA
1Gbarabe Roland, 3Nne Fortune Okah & 2Etukudoh, Ndarake Emmanuel
1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa
2Department of Rural Sociology and Extension, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
3Department of Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt
ABSTRACT
Preference/Sources of Fishing Information for Artisanal Fish Farmers in Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria was investigated. Indicated the sources of information used by respondents in accessing information in the study area. The instrument used for the collection of data for this study was a questionnaire designed on four likert type of Strongly agree (4), agree (3), strongly disagree (2) and disagree (1) = 4+3+2+1=10/4=2.5. The findings showed that (83%) of the respondents used meetings, followed by 75% extension agents source of information while 66% source is from output buyers in the area. The least information sources available to them were Town Crier (100%), Computer (96%), credit agencies (92%) and neighbours (89%). The level of other sources of information could be seen from Table 2 above. Results revealed that fish Farmers need information on methods of fishing, water trend, time of fishing, weather trend, handling, storage and marketing etc. Due to the complexity of the problems facing farmers, there are varieties of information needs of farmers. Major issue is that majority of farmers in Africa are illiterate and therefore need information in a simplest and quickest way to discharge their duties effectively. Informal education is therefore recommended for fish farmers to help them improve on the productivities and activities.