Assessment of Fish Farming in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

World leaders are making concerted effort to tackle the menace of food insecurity brought about by upsurge in human population, climate change and displacement of farming communities due to civil unrest in some part of the world. This study was undertaken to assess the current status of fish farming in Plateau State and suggest possible ways of ameliorating any observed challenges for increased fish production. The study evaluated the challenges affecting fish farming in the study area. Structured interview schedule questionnaire were used in sourcing information from nine (9) local government areas in the state.  Ninety (90) fish farmers were randomly selected from the nine (9) local governments areas each drawn from the three Agricultural zones of the State. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that majority of the fish farmers 70% were males and between the ages of 21-30 years. The study also revealed that the major constraints affecting increased level of output in the study area were high cost of inputs (feeds), poor marketing channels, inadequate finance, inadequate access to credit facilities, and poor extension services. Fish farming in the study area is however, profitable as majority of the farmers made a gross profit margin of above # 501,000.00 per annum. The study recommends that fish hatcheries and feed mill should be established in the study area and that single digit credit facilities should be granted to interested fish farmers. Also extension services with respect to fish farming should be increased in the study area. A good quality fish market should also be established in the study area to assist the farmers in marketing their produce in order to optimise profit.