Farmers’ Participation in Homestead Fish Production: Implications for Poverty Alleviation in Bayelsa and Delta States, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined participation of farmers in homestead fish production and its implications for poverty alleviation in Bayelsa and Delta States, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced from one hundred and ninety two (192) respondents, spread across eight local government areas in Bayelsa and Delta States. Data from respondents were analyzed using percentages and means. Multiple regression was used to analyze the hypotheses of the study. Results showed that most (64.6%) of the farmers were part-time fish farmers, majority of the farmers (34.4%) primary occupation was civil service jobs and the mean number of years of being fish farmers was 12 years, indicating that they are experienced in the business. It was also revealed that the mean fish farm output and income was 164.60kg and ₦167,200 ($1,045) respectively. Result as well showed that security personnel should be employed by the farmers to curb the menace of theft, there is a need for the government through special programmes to ensure a good availability of inputs like fingerlings, fish feeds at affordable prices and the home stead fish farmers need to be trained on integrated pest and disease management method as this will help reduce the losses of the farm.