Socio-economic activities of fisher folk in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the socio-economic activities and potentials of rural fisher folk in Niger Delta, Nigeria. One thousand and two hundred (1,200) structured questionnaires were administered to fisher folks in one hundred (100) fishing communities, and only one thousand (1000) were retrieved. The questionnaires dealt with the personal characteristics of the fishers. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution and  descriptive statistics. The sex of the fishers respondents from Rivers State were 80% males and 20% females. In Bayelsa State, 81% were males and 19% females, while in Delta State, 92.5% were males and 7.5% females. Also, in Akwa Ibom State, 90% of respondents were males and 10% females. Both genders were involved in fishing business and mostly  married (94.5%). The men (83.5%) fished in the rivers and sea while the women (16.5%) were engaged in fish processing and marketing.  Demonstration strategy (85%) was the main agricultural extension method adopted by extension officers. The highest number in fisheries activities indicated that fish business is lucrative and ensure food security and  livelihood. The study recommends that training extension officers should be regular on modern techniques required in order to assist fishers in the development and management of their resource.

Key Words- Socio-economic, fisher folk, agricultural agencies, fishing operations, Niger Delta