SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FISH FARMERS AND FINGERLING PROCUREMENT IN IBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the socio-economic characteristics of fish farmers and fingerings procurement among catfish farmers in Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for data collection in the study area thorough structured questionnaire and scheduled interview. The first stage involved random selection of five districts (Sarkin Kudu, Dampar, Nwoyo and Ibi), second stage involved random selection of fifty (50) catfish farmers from each District with a sample size of 200 respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was used (mean, frequency counts, percentages and charts). The results indicated that male (79%) were majority of the respondents (79.0%), 66.0% were married, 37% between 21-25 years, only 45.0% had Secondary School Certificate Education, house hold size 5 – 9 (39%), weekly income of ₦21,000 - ₦25,000, (41%) and 67% were members of fish farmers’ association. Only 39% obtained fingerlings from fish farmers who have fish hatchery while 34% sourced fingerlings from the wild. There is a significant association between the socio-economic characteristics and fingerling procurement of fish farmers p<0.05. Fish farming is dominated by male and married individuals who belong to their professional group. The study recommended that sourcing fingerlings from the wild should be discouraged to have a regular supply since climatic factors could adversely affect breeding in the wild and cause shortage of fingerlings.