Analysis of Selected Socioeconomic Characteristics of Fishermen: Implications for Fish Production in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the implications for fish production, of some selected socioeconomic characteristics of fishermen, in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 90 fishermen from three (3) fishing depots: Educwink, Elekpon and Agan-asa. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores, charts and graphs, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. The majority (53%) of the fishermen were married, while about 41% were single. The fishermen had an average of five (5) persons per household, while those with 2 – 4 persons in a household were in the majority (54%). Artisanal fishing was the primary occupation for the majority (77%) of the fishermen, and their most important fishing tools and equipment included engine boats (3.60), cast and throw nets (3.35), and fishing rods, hooks, line and sinker (3.03). Artisan and on-farm labour were the primary occupations of about 14% and 6% of the fishermen, respectively. The majority (80%) of the fishermen were cooperators, and they belonged on average, to two (2) cooperative societies per person. The study recommended policies that provide good financial and societal rewards for fishermen, while also, providing adequate incentives for their operation such as training on modern fishing techniques, provision of credit facilities, and access to modern fishing techniques and markets for their produce.