FISH CULTURE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES AMONG WOMEN IN TELLA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study was on fish culture practices and challenges among women in Tella, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State Nigeria. Purposive random sampling technique was used to obtain information from one hundred respondents through the use of questionnaire and scheduled interview. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics (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). The results of fish culture practices showed that fish seeds were readily available (80.0%), Clarias species was the major fish cultured (41.0%), use of local feed (46.0%), run-off as major sources of water for fish culture (45.0%) and earthen pond as the major rearing facility (61.0%). Challenges experienced; disease outbreak 42%, problem of theft 28% and flood 27%. There was no significant relationship between fish culture practices and challenges faced by the women. The study concluded that challenges faced by the respondents are not related to fish cultural practices. It is recommended that highly experienced Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) should be engaged by the Extension agents to train and expose women in fish farming to various causes of fish farming challenges and remedies.