Socio-economic characteristics of the fishermen of Bakolori Reservoir in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of the fishermen of Bakolori reservoir in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State in Northwestern Nigeria. In July 2012, a field survey was conducted in which 10 fishing villages were purposely selected in Maradun Local Government, 10 respondents were randomly selected from each of these villages and interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the fishermen. The data collected was subjected to descriptive statistical tools (means, frequencies and percentages) analysis using SPSS software application version 16.0. The results revealed that all (100%) of the fishermen were Muslims, males and Hausas, 55% were within age class of between 19 and 40 years old. Literacy level among the fishermen shows only 26% and 8% had primary and secondary education. Majorities (97%) were full time fishermen and 30% had 30-40 years of fishing experience in the reservoir while 78% also engaged in farming. Majority (73%) of the fishermen used to catch 8-78kg of fish while only 2% caught between 292kg per week and 433kg per week. The fishermen who used to earn between 11,000 and 19,000 naira during high floods per week constituted 68% while 78% earned no kobo but some days earned up to 5,000 naira during mid-dry seasons. Only few (16%) had obtained bank loan facilities in the past. Based on findings from this study, it was concluded that the fishermen of Bakolori reservoir had similar socioeconomic characteristics with other artisanal fishermen in Nigeria. These findings had provided the much needed baseline information which could be used to set priorities for future fisheries planning and research in the reservoir.