Commonly patronized fish species in Iseyin Local Government Area, Iseyin, Oyo State

Abstract

The study analysed commonly patronized fish species and fish form in 7 markets in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. A total of 105 respondents were randomly selected; data was analysed using simple descriptive and Chi square analysis. Women are the major fish sellers (75.24%). Age distribution showed that majority of respondents (41.90%) falls between 41 to 50 years, both married (73.33%) and singles (3.81%) are involved in the business, majority of who has being in the trade for over a decade. A wide range of fish species were sold in their markets such as; Small/medium sized hake (28.44%) (most patronized), horse mackerel (21.10%), mackerel (17.43%), bonga (14.67%), sardines (13.76%), big sized hake (10.09%), catfish and other dried marine fish. Frozen fish has the highest patronage (41.90%). Factors determining species and forms of fish sold are; paucity of funds for investments (98.09%), consumer’s choice (93.37%), demand for frozen fish (54.29%), demand for smoked fish (50.48%), demand for dried fish (39.05%) and demand for fresh fish (10.48%). Constraints to fish retailing are; financial incapability (98.09%), inadequate storage facilities (96.19%), epileptic power supply (91.43%), consumer’s choices (86.67%), transportation (77.14%), and price fluctuation (67.62%). The chi square analysis revealed that factors determining fish sold such as: consumer’s choice (X2=24.450, p<0.05), demand for frozen fish (X2= 34.589, p<0.05) and paucity of funds (X2=8.828, p<0.05) have a significant relationship with type of fish sold in the study area. Fish marketing in Iseyin is a lucrative venture; a wide range of fish species are marketed in different product presentations. Hence, Government and private organizations should encourage fish marketers by investing more in the provision of facilities that will enhance sales.