Challenges of Women’s Involvement in Post Harvest Fishery Activities in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated the challenges of women's involvement in post-harvest fishery activities in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State. Precisely, the study examined how poor road networks, inadequate processing and storage equipment, insecurity, poor access to low-interest loans/facilities, and insufficient processing and marketing/sales skills hinder women's involvement in fishery activities in the area. Only post-harvest fishery activities (processing and marketing) were considered in this study. Fifteen women involved in post-harvest fishery activities were selected from eight communities in the area using a pure random sampling technique. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were used. A total of one hundred and twenty copies of validated questionnaires were administered, ninety-five copies were retrieved, and seventy-eight copies provided data for the analysis. This gave a response rate of 79.16 percent. The analysis was done using chi-square test statistic. The study showed that poor road networks, inadequate modern processing and storage equipment, insecurity, poor access to low-interest loans/facilities, and insufficient processing and marketing skills were the major challenges in the area. It is concluded that although the venture is highly profitable and has high prospects, there are a lot of challenges confronting women in obtaining optimal performance. It is therefore recommended that women need training, especially in the areas of processing, storage, and marketing/sales of fish. Moreover, the government should strengthen the area's security measures and assist women to obtain low-interest loans/facilities as these will enhance their performance.