Sociodemographic Characteristics of Fisherfolks that Practice Their Trade in Eleyele Lake, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey to find out the socio-demographic characteristics of fisherfolks that practice their trade in Eleyele Lake, Ibadan was carried out through administration of questionnaire. A total of 100 copies of questionnaire were administered. Most of the fishermen in the study area are married and over 30 (thirty) years of age. About 61.5% had no formal education while 24% had primary education. Six ethnic groups fish constantly at the lake on a full time basis to sustain their families; these include Yorubas, Igbos, Urhobos, Isokos, Ilajes and Ijaws. The highest percentage of fishermen was Yorubas. This could be due to the fact that the Eleyele Lake is situated in Ibadan, hence, majority of the fisherfolks are native of Ibadan or other towns in Oyo State. About seventy nine percent (79.5%) of the respondents were males. This is because males are often the breadwinners of the family. The modal age group was 41-50 (31.3%), confirming that those involved in fishing activities in the study area were in their active productive years.. Other sociodemographic parameters that were evaluated include, level of education, source of labour, reason for involving in fishing and mode of fishing. Majority of the respondents (100%) were educated, used family labour (38.55%), involved in fishing (60%) and fished for family sustenance (43%).

Keywords: Fishing, age, education level, questionnaire and families.