Catfish Farmers Perception of Training Effectiveness of the University of Nigeria-West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

Abstract

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of University of Nigeria Nsukka-West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (UNNWAAPP) training on catfish production around the University of Nigeria catchment area in Enugu State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 42 respondents across four town communities that benefited from the project in Nsukka agricultural zone, while structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from the respondents. Results of the study revealed that although the majority of the respondents indicated they received training on feeding (100%), pond fertilization (90.5%) pond water treatment (88.1%), and only 19.0% received training on feed formulation, which is a key area in catfish production. The farmers were satisfied with training on feeding ( x =1.83), pond water management ( x =1.55) and pond maintenance ( x =1.33). However, the farmers were not satisfied with the training on preservation ( x =0.95), pond construction ( x =0.86) and feed formulation ( x =0.17). The respondents indicated that training was effective in terms of the communication methods used by the trainers ( x =1.83), clarity in asking and answering questions ( x =1.74) and use of relevant examples to illustrate training activities ( x =1.71). In order to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of farmers involved in catfish production, there is need for additional training in key areas of catfish production such as feed formulation and pond construction in order to achieve the aim of the project which is focused on improving the wealth status of participating communities.

Keywords: catfish production, entrepreneurial skills, training on catfish, West Africa
Agricultural Productivity Programme.