Role of Community Based Organizations on Poverty Status of Fish Processors in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fish is highly perishable and need to be processed immediately they are caught but the processors lack the capital and other necessities to carry out their processing activities. The study examined the role of community based organizations on poverty status of fish processors in Kogi State Nigeria. Data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaires and interview schedules from 192 randomly selected respondents in the study area and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that fish processing is a female dominated business in the study area and average household size was 4. Analysis of poverty status indicated that almost 40.0% of fish processors were below the poverty line using ₦383 per dollar official exchange rate. Provision of improved processing equipment, training on processing and gaining higher social status are some of the benefits derived by members of CBOs. Some of the constraints faced by the respondents were inadequate capital (86.5%), unavailability of loan (68.8%) and high cost of transportation (41.7%). Based on the findings, it was recommended that CBOs should be supported and strengthened financially by government and nongovernmental organizations to empower women.