Constraints to Women Involvement in Fish Production in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed constraints to women involvement in fish farming and processing in Anambra State Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling  procedure was employed in selecting 90 women fish farmers. Data were analysed using percentage and mean as well as ordinary least  square regression. The study revealed that the women mostly used concrete pond (65.6%), the majority (70.0%) have between 1 and 3 ponds. Catfish was mainly cultured by the women (86.7%). The foremost constraints faced by the women in fish farming were  inadequate capital ( = 3.31), inadequate land for expansion ( = 3.27), and high cost of fish pond establishment ( = 3.23). The coefficient of inadequate capital (-1.503) was significant at 1%, while the coefficients of inadequate land for expansion (-1.286), pre-occupation with other household chores (1.245), dominance by spouses (1.601) and high cost of fish pond establishment (- 1.768) were significant at 5% significant level. Providing low interest loans to active and registered women fish farmers, revisiting and amending the 1999 land reform, encouraging women to form formidable cooperative societies, among others were recommended by the study.

Key words: Concrete pond, women, fish farming