ABSTRACT
Aquaculture is recognized as one of the fastest growing subsector in the world for sustainability of fisheries sector especially in developing countries like Nigeria where capture fisheries is dwindling in Lake Victoria due to over fishing. Consequently, the Nigerian Government is keen to promoting small scale fish farming projects through initiatives such as the Economic Stimulus Program in 2009. However, most small-scale fish farming projects are either dormant, have collapsed or are still operating under recurrent expenditure hence become unsustainable. The purpose of this study therefore was to identify factors influencing sustainability of small scale fish farming projects. Specifically, it sought to determine the influences of cost of inputs, provision of extension services, accessibility to market and use of technology as the main factors of sustainability in small scale fish farming projects. The study was guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) and Theory of Production. Mixed Method research design was used, targeting small-scale fish farmers in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area, Edo state. To collect both qualitative and quantitative data cluster sampling was used. Yamane formula was used to obtain the sample size of 148 respondents. Questionnaire, interview schedules and focus groups were used as data collecting instruments. Of 150 questionnaires distributed 109 were filled and returned. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation) were adopted to measure relationships and give meanings. The study established that small scale fish farming projects are greatly influenced by provision of extension services (r = 0.521) indicating that an improvement of the services to the farmers results to higher and better yields which in turn result to sustainability. Access to market (r = 0.411) also influenced sustainability, this indicates accessing broader markets would consequently make fish farming sustainable. Use of technology (r = 0.301), proved to have an influence on sustainability implying that adoption and use of technology significantly influences the production positively hence making the projects sustainable. Lastly, cost of inputs (r = 0.013), the low value can be explained as the variable having dual impact on the respondents, while to some farmers high cost means less production there were others that high cost meant good quality hence high production. The study recommends that the government gives subsidies to farmers hence lowering the cost of inputs, employ more extension officers and provide resources for ease of access to the farmers; farmer organizations should lobby the government to provide subsided and lower taxes on farm inputs and finally farmers should be advised to form production and marketing groups so as to easily meet the market demands.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The story of aquaculture in Nigeria is essentially the story of catfish culture and the hope of fish supply in Nigeria hang on its development and culture. Recent trends all over the world, point to a decline in landing from capture fisheries, an indicator that fish stocks have approached or even exceeded the point of maximum sustainable yield. Aquaculture therefore remains the only viable alternative for increasing fish production in order to meet the protein need of the people. Catfishes of the family Claridae comprise the most commonly cultivated fishes in Nigeria. The growth of aquaculture in Nigeria now is largely being boosted by a steady rise in catfish culture. Inadequate availability of seed for stocking and feed used to be major problems. Tremendous progress is now being made. The total value of the industry today is US$800 from the value of fingerlings, feed and farmed fish. Since the culture of Clarias gariepinus through hypophysation was initiated in Western Nigeria in 1973, the procedure has been widely practiced throughout Nigeria thus leading to increase of farm-raised catfishes from the 80’s to date. The favoured catfish species in Nigeria aquaculture include: gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Clarias, Heterobranchus hybrid (Heteroclarias) and Clarias, nigrodigitatus. Heterobranchus sp. is the more commonly cultured fish in the south eastern parts of Nigeria. African catfish is popular in the market and has great potentials to boost the rapidly growing Nigerian aquaculture.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
Fish farming has not been fully explored as a strategy to reduce poverty levels despite its potential to improve livelihoods in rural communities. Low productivity, prohibitive establishment costs, high farm-level losses and inefficient marketing often pose a problem.
The low level of productivity results from lack of appropriate production knowledge and skills, suboptimal stocking and/or overstocking, poor fish population control methods and inadequate feeding due to costly feeds.
Complications arise from high capital requirements for establishing a fish farm, especially for excavation, stocking of fingerlings and installation of protective chain link. The losses at farm-level arise from predators such as snakes, monitor lizards and birds, and from improper harvesting and post-harvest techniques. Inefficient marketing results from a lack of farmers ability to integrate production and marketing activities.
It is therefore imperative that youth and farmers are supported to initiate fish farming using the fish farm approach through provision of startup fingerlings and other technical inputs for developing business plans.
1.3 Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing sustainability of small scale fish farming in Nigeria focusing on Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area, Edo state.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
i. To assess how cost of inputs influence sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria.
ii. To establish how provision of extension services influence sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria.
iii. To assess how accessibility to market influence sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria.
iv. To establish the influence of new technology on sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
v. How does cost of inputs influence sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria?
vi. How does provision of extension services influence sustainability of small scale fish farming projects in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria?
vii. How does accessibility to market influence sustainability of small scale fish farming in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria?
viii. In what way does use of new technologies influence sustainability of small scale fish farming in Ovia North East Local Governemnt Area Edo state Nigeria?
1.5 Significance Of The Study
On completion of this study. It is contemplated that the research finding would help in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The justification of the study would be seen from the point of view of the fact that the research finding would help in advising and counseling of people hoping to take poultry farm farming either as a small scale or full scale business venture.
It will also serve as reference materials for further finding it will also be useful to government in identifying areas where fish farmers in the local government area or the school fish farm can be assisted in order to increase production.
1.6 Scope
The scope of this research work only covers farmers in Oredo Local Government Area.
1.7 Limitation Of The Study
The research examine small scale industries these where some of the problems which affects small scale fish industries, include;
Inadequate capital.
Area of study limitation.
Problems of disease and parasite.
Inadequate extension services.
Inadequate feeds and the condition attached to the grant of loans small scale fish farmers.
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