AWARENESS AND USAGE OF FISH FARMING INNOVATIONS AMONG FISH FARMERS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Awareness and usage of fish farming innovations among fish farmers in Nasarawa State was studied. Random sampling technique was used to select ninety available fish farmers in Lafia and Keffi Local Government areas from the list of registered fish farmers obtained from Agricultural Development Project Headquarters (ADP) in the State. Data were obtained through structured questionnaire and interview scheduled which were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages while inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test level of significant relationship among the variables (p<0.005). Majority of the respondents agreed that they were aware of most of the innovations available in fish farming; liming and fertilization of ponds (94.4%), water inlet and outlet devices (91.1%). Perceived benefits of innovations were expansion of fish farm size ( x =3.82), reduction in fish mortality x  =3.63) and disease management x =3.63). Major innovations used by fish farmers are fertilization of ponds (94.4%) and inlet and outlet devices (91.1%). There is a significant relationship between awareness of fish farming innovation and usage among fish farmers (p<.0001). The study concluded that awareness of fish farming innovations enhanced the usage of innovations among fish farmers in the study. It is recommended that more fish farming innovations should be introduced to the fish farmers by researchers through the Extension service officers.