Major constraints affecting aquaculture development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study contributes to nationwide attempts to enhance the contributions of aquaculture to the fishery subsector, and consequent overall gross domestic product of Nigeria, as well as to the protein intake of her citizenry. The focus is on the determination of the magnitude of constraints affecting aquaculture development in the country, using Akwa Ibom State as a case study. Fifteen major constraints were found to affect aquaculture production negatively in the study area — the three most severe being the inadequate supply of fish fingerlings, the high cost of fish pond establishment and the lack of awareness of available innovations. Statistically, 11 of the 15 major constraints (the majority of which were production-related) proved significant as deterrent factors to aquaculture production. Qualitative (participatory) analysis also revealed production, marketing and technological groups of constraints as effectively deterring aquaculture production. Recommendations are made to aid in the development of aquaculture production in the study (and wider) area.

Keywords: development constraints, fingerling production, fish farming, participatory analysis, socio-economic factors

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2007, 32(1): 45–50