Status Of Fish Farming In Isoko Area Of Niger Delta, Nigeria: Implications For Extension

Abstract

This paper examines the status of fish farming in Isoko area of Niger Delta with the view of drawing implications for agricultural extension service. Structured interview schedules were used in collecting data from eighty-four fish farmers randomly selected from the area. Percentages and mean scores were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that majority (88.1%) of the farmers were operating on a small-scale level. Also, majority (83.33%) of the fish farmers had their fish ponds in swampy areas and sourced water from rain/underground water. The mean number of fish ponds per farmer was approximately 6. However, the commonly reared fish species were Tilapia species; Hetebranchus species; Clarias species and Heterotis species. The results further showed that lack of credit facilities; inadequate extension contact; lack of capital to invest in intensive production and high cost of inputs were some of the factors constraining fish farming development in the area. These findings suggest the need for intensified programmes to ensure improved production and productivity of fish farms in the area. Keywords : Fish farming, Constraints, Stocking Patterns, Management Systems Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 1-10