Effect Of Women Participation In Artisanal Fishing On Their Socio-Economic Well-Being In Coastal Communities In Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of women participation in artisanal fishing on their Socio- economic well-being in coastal communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study focused specifically on the socio-economic characteristics of women artisanal fish farmers, areas of women participation in artisanal fishing, and effect of women participation in artisanal fishing on their socio-economic well-being. The population of the study comprised all rural women in the coastal communities, who are involved in artisanal fishing activities. The sample was drawn from the population of the study using simple random sampling techniques. A total of 200 respondents were used for the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, and analyzed using the mean, ranking, percentages and ordered probit regression model. Results of analysis indicated that 66% of the women were between the ages of 20-40 years, 39.5% of them attended secondary school, 60% of the women had 3-6 children and about 58% of them were married. Women were also involved in a wide range of areas of artisanal fishing, including fish catch, unloading of fish from canoes, fish processing and carrying and repair of fish gear etc. The study found that women participation in artisanal fishing enabled them to have more money (ranked = 1^st), do not lack money again (ranked=2^nd ),allowed them to build their own houses (ranked = 3^rd) and  enhanced their capacities to contribute donations to charities (ranked = 4^th)  among others. The result of probit analysis revealed that women participation in artisanal fishing was determined by their level of education, credit facilities, age, cultural/religious variables, and family factors etc. The study recommended that government should provide credit facilities in form of grants to rural women involved in artisanal fishing and provide basic training in terms of safety protocol, preservation and processing of fish.