JAFE Vol. 4 (1): 1-8
Influence of Socio-Economic Characteristics of Artisanal Fisher Folks on Fish Output in Ughelli South, Delta State, Nigeria
Agatha A. Nwabueze and Joan E. Obugara
ABSTRACT
The influence of socio-economic characteristics of artisanal fisher folks on fish output in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria was studied from May to July, 2016. Data related to socio-economic indices of the fisherfolks were obtained through a validated structured questionnaire and were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that fishing was the main profession of the active young persons, and that the educational level of fisherfolks was relatively high in the area. More of the fisherfolks (71.3%) were males while 28.7% were females and were within the active age distribution of 25 – 35years (37.2%) and 36 – 46years (35.1%). Fisherfolks with formal education were 56.4%, most (69.1%) were married; the family size of 0-4 persons was 67.0%, while 47.9% had 6 - 11year fishing experience. Monthly output ranges of ₦10,000-₦60,000 and ₦70,000-₦120,000 were 42.6%. Constraints faced by artisanal fisherfolks included high costs of fishing gears, poor processing facilities, lack of transportation, poor marketing facilities, low income from poor catch and inadequate storage facilities. If the fishery facilities of the area are improved upon, it could help towards employment generation, poverty alleviation and supply of fish protein to the teeming Nigerian population within the study area and beyond.
KEYWORDS: SSocio-economic, characteristics, artisanal, fisherfolks, fish output, Ughelli South, Delta State