Women’s Involvement In Fish Farming: Access To Agricultural Information In Isoko Riverine Areas Of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated women’s involvement in fish farming in Isoko riverine areas of Delta State, Nigeria. The study covered 54 fisher folk’s women selected through purposive sampling technique. Four (4) fishing villages were identified and used for the study. Information was obtained from that fisher folks with the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency counts. The findings of the research showed that women dominated fish processing (100%), fish storage/preservation (100%), loan and credit facilities (100%) and modern fishing equipment (100%). These showed that women involved in fish farming need wide ranged of information in fish processing, storage and preservation, loan and credit facilities and modern fishing equipment. The main information sources/channels used by the respondent were town criers, community meetings, personal experience; radio, television and libraries were rarely used as sources of information. The findings also revealed that lack of visitation of extension officers and No nearby library as the major factors that hindered access to relevant agricultural information. The paper concluded with recommendation to enhance all women fish farmers’ access to agricultural information.