Information Utilization among Rural Fish Farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the utilization of information on fish farming techniques by rural fish farmers in the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria Problem of low productivity in culture fisheries persists, though there are improved packages on fish production, it is suspected that they are not adequately used by farmers. The utilization of information on fish farming technologies among farmers will always translate into efficiency in fish production and have increased productivity. The study will guide extension services in the design of fish farming messages (information) for better understanding and efficient utilization by the fish farmers. For the study, a sample size of 120 rural fish farmers was used. Data were collected with the use of structured interview schedule and analysed with the application of descriptive statistics, while the hypothesis were tested by the use of chi - square. Information used ranged from stocking rate to preservation technique. The sources of these information included extension agents, other farmers, fish farmers' groups, university, research institutes and NGOs. The need gap of the farmers include the ones related to those already known to and were being used by them. There were significant relationship between information utilization and fish farmers' demographic characteristics. Significant relationship also exist between sources of information utilization. It was recommended that extension agents should intensify their efforts in teaching farmers how to utilize the complex information among others.