The study investigated the assessment of sustainable techniques in fishing activities and challenges among Artisanal Fishers in River Ibi, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 200 respondents were used as the sample size for the study through purposive and simple random sampling techniques selected in four major fishing communities (Ibi town, Sarkin kudu, Dampar, and Nwonyon) within the Local Government Area. Data obtained was subjected to descriptive (percentage and frequency) and inferential (mean). The result showed that the artisanal fishers are predominantly male (87.5%), married (70.0%); had formal education (81.9%). Ban on use of explosive ( x =3.00) and ban on use of chemicals ( x =2.98) are the major sustainable fishing techniques among artisanal fishers, Payments of fine ( x =3.00), seizure of fish caught ( x =2.89 ) are the major penalties for the contravention of sustainable fishing techniques while open access nature of the fisheries (100.0%), climate change (100.0%) and post-harvest losses (99.0%) are the major challenges among the artisanal fishers.. The study recommended that Government should enlighten fishers on the awareness on sustainable fishing techniques its implications and proper enforcement on the fishing regulation should be put in place.

The study was designed assessed frozen fish marketing activities and constraints in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Multistage random sampling involved selection of four major communities where frozen fish were commonly sold. A certified list of frozen fish marketers were obtained from their Association, then eighty percent (80%) respondents were randomly selected in each of the communities to make a sample size of 136, data obtained were analyzed through frequency counts, percentages and mean score (5 point Likert Scale). Results showed that 64% frozen fish marketers buy from middle men/women, frozen fish price is being determined through negotiation by the buyers (61.0%), 48.5% frozen fish marketers use vehicles as means of transporting fish to where it’s been sold, 57.4% sold frozen fish in shed; frozen fish marketers made more profits (44.1%) and sell more between January -March (47.8%) while 50% frozen fish marketers started the business with ₦30,000 - ₦40,000 and 45.6% made profit on monthly basis. Political affiliation (????̅ = 3.61), revenue or levy (????̅ = 3.56), transportation (????̅ = 3.53), fish storage (????̅ = 3.47) and capital (????̅ = 3.46) are constraints that fish marketers faced in the study area. The study recommended that Government at all levels should not use politics as basis for benefiting from programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

Methods of improving the quality of fish seed supply to fish farmers in Benue State were studied. Data were obtained from one hundred and thirty three fish farmers' using multistage random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents; data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square to test relationship between the variables. The result showed that 53.83% of the fish farmers source their fish seeds from the wild. Methods of improving the quality of fish seed supply through brood-stock management were culture method (97.10%), feeding (94.10%) and genetic composition (97.0%). The major constraints to the methods of improving the quality of fish seed supply were respondents' technical knowhow (99.2%), inconsistent government policy (99.20%), lack of government assistance (97.0%) and inadequate extension services (97.0%). The Chi square analysis showed significant relationship between brood stock management and methods of improving the quality of fish seed supply (p<0.05). Also, significant relationship existed between methods of improving the quality of fish seed supply and constraints, inadequate water supply, scarcity of feed, poor brood stock management and lack of government assistance. Government should encourage the fish seed production industry by providing infrastructures, formulation and effective enforcement of consistent policies and provision of credit facilities to fish farmers.

Fish farming has great potentials for ameliorating the problems of youths unemployed, poverty and nutritional deficiencies because it has been found to be economically rewarding and capable of providing vast employment, augmenting farmers’ income and improving standards of living of the citizenry. The study assessed farmers’ awareness and adoption of fish farming technologies in Obi-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. A sample of 87 fish farmers was selected from the population of about 570 through multistage random sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was used to collect relevant research data. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (percentage and ranking). It was found that cat fish was cultured by more than 81% of the respondents. More than 72% of the farmers were aware of the eight fish farming technologies under study. More than 71% adopted aerator, flow through system, float fish feed and ova-prim but adoption of pituitary gland and re-circulatory system were at very low ebbs. High cost of feed, erratic power supply, inadequate capital and untimely or unavailability of production information were the major constraints to adoption of fish farming technologies. It was recommended that farmers continue to culture catfish which is hardy, easier to rear and tolerant to stressful conditions. Intervention programmes should be implemented to ensure that farmers adopt technologies whose adoptions were at low ebbs. The Government should subsidize the prices of fish feeds and other inputs while improving the perennial poor power supply.

A study was conducted to determine the artisanal fishers association in Ilaje Local Government area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Multistaged random sampling technique was used to select three hundred and twenty four artisanal fishers‟ association members from the study area. Structured questionnaire and in-depth guided interview were used as instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistic. The study showed that 69.8% had association memberships of more than fifty. Outboard engine 26.9% and boat 21.6% were enjoyed at subsidized rates while only 8.3% each indicated training on outboard engine repair and gear construction and mending. It is recommended that Government at various levels and non- Governmental organizations should assist fishermen associations in the procurement of fishing inputs and organization of different trainings on fishing to boost the local supply from artisanal fisheries.Keywords: Association, artisanal, servicing facilities, membership, training

This study investigated innovation in utilization of fish tanks for fish culture among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained through the administration of questionnaire and scheduled interview to 120 sampled fish farmers randomly selected from the study area. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages and means. The results showed that fish farmers in the study area utilized innovation on fish tank; raise of platform to keep the tank (77.5%), construction of water inlet and outlet on tank (74.2%) and use of tank for incubation and hatching (64.2%). Fish farmers’ perception of the benefits on innovation utilization of fish tank include mobile and its position can be changed (80.0%), allows a quick view at the base (65.8%), easy to maintain (61.7%), cheap and economical (54.2%). Major constraint to innovation utilization on fish tanks is low stocking density (71.7%). It is recommended that fish farmers should explore all available sources of information on various innovations on fish tank for fish culture. Also, manufacturers of fish tanks should take into consideration various sizes that would accommodate high stocking density.Keyword: fish culture, fish farmer, fish tank, innovation, utilization

The role of fishing technologies in achieving the National goal of food sufficiency cannot be over emphasized. Many small scale fishermen who are supposed to be the end users of various modern fishing technologies are ignorant of various technological opportunities they stand to gain in their profession. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the awareness, training needs and constraints on fishing technologies among small scale fishermen in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select three local Government areas (Irele, Ilaje and Ese-odo), six fishing communities, and twelve artisanal fishermen to get a sample size of 216. Data were collected from the respondents using structured interview schedule and analyzed through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results revealed that most of the artisanal fishermen were aware of the fishing technologies and 82.4% indicated favourable training needs towards fishing technologies. Major constraints experienced by the respondents were lack of proper net maintenance (76.9%), limited outboard engine repair workshop (73.6%) and effective fish processing, preservation techniques and equipment (70.4%). Significant relationship existed between awareness and training needs on fabrication of low cost fishing gears (X2 = 18.48; p < 0.00), smoking oven (X2 = 15.77; p < 0.00) and outboard engine repairs (X2 = 5.47; p < 0.01). Based on the findings of the study, concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to ensure that the required training needs of artisanal fishermen are met for the sustenance of fisheries technologies.

OGUNREMI, J. B., 2016. Strategies for meeting the fi shing input requirements of artisanal fi sheries in coastal areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 22: 543–547 The strategies for meeting the fi shing input requirements of artisanal fi sheries were studied in coastal areas of Ondo State. Data were obtained from two hundred and sixteen artisans using simple random sampling technique. Structured interview scheduled was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistic such as frequency counts and percentage. Chi-square was used to test relationships between the variables. The results showed that 62.0% were male artisans compared to 38.0% female. Also, 74.1% were married, 34.3% had secondary education and 73.6% had fi fteen years and above fi shing experience. Loan was highly rated as the strategy for meeting the fi shing input requirements by artisans while fund was the major problem. The chi-square analysis showed that strategies for meeting the fi shing input requirement of artisans indicated signifi cant association with Age (χ2 = 0.01, p < 0.05) and education (χ2 = 0.01, p < 0.05) while gender had no signifi cant relationship (χ2 = 0.06, p > 0.05). Based on the study, it was recommended that artisans should be enlightened on the advantage of forming and joining fi shermen association as a group through which their request on fi shing input requirements to government and Non-governmental organizations can be met and the easiest means of sourcing for fund within their locality. Key word: artisanal fi sheries, artisans, coastal areas, fi shing input, strategies *E-mail: jogunremi@gmail.com Introduction The challenge to increase protein consumption in Nigeria appears to be more urgent now than ever. A high percentage of landed fi sh in Nigeria is from artisanal catch. An access to over 180 000 metric tons of artisanal fi shery resources in the area and an estimated annual yield potential of 1 830 990 metric tons of fi sh from which a harvest close to 350 000 metric tons are made annually (Akinwumi et al., 2011). Artisanal fi sheries in Nigeria provided more than 82% of the domestic fi sh supply giving livelihoods to one million fi shermen and up to 5.8 million fi sher folks in the secondary sector (Faturoti, 2011). Apart from being an income earner to many Nigerians especially people in coastal, riverine and lake areas of the country, some people earn their living from fi sh processing and marketing while others engaged in fi sheries research (Adeokun et al., 2006). Artisanal marine fi sheries provide an essential source of sustenance, employment and fi nancial well-being for coastal populations of developing countries (Andrew et al., 2012). Artisanal fi sheries sector made up the most important sector, which accounts for the major fi sh supply in the developing world (Ibrahim, et al., 2009). Artisanal fi shery is the harvesting of fi sh from rivers, streams, lakes and ponds by small scale fi shermen using both traditional and modern fi shing gears. It is the most important of fi shery production in Nigeria and accounts for over 90% of her fi shery production (Ogunbadejo et al., 2007). Mathew (2001) described ‘traditional’, ‘small-scale’ or ‘artisanal’ fi sheries as used to characterize those fi sheries that were mainly none mechanized with low level of produc-

A study was conducted on the awareness, training needs and constraints on fishing technologies among small scale fishermen in Ondo State, Nigeria. Three local Governments (Irele, Ilaje and Ese-odo) were selected for the study. A multipurpose random sampling technique was employed to select six fishing communities from each local government and twelve small scale fishermen were randomly selected to make a sample size of 216 fishermen. The results revealed that, most of the small scale fishermen were aware of the fishing technologies and 82.4% indicated favourable training needs towards fishing technologies. Major constraints experienced by the respondents are lack of proper net maintenance (76.9%), limited outboard engine repair workshop (73.6%) and effective fish processing, preservation techniques and equipment (70.4%). Significant relationship exist between awareness and training needs on fabrication of low cost fishing gears (χ2=18.48; pu003c0.00), smoking oven (χ2=15.77; pu003c0.00) and outboard engine repairs (χ2=5.47; pu003c0.01). Based on the findings of the study, concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to ensure that the required training needs of small scale fishermen are met.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production sectors to every household in Nigeria. Products from aquaculture such as fish food supply protein to household protein. However, biosafety of food products from aquaculture is now considered as public health concern in Nigeria. This is due to the nature and component of materials used as rearing facilities on the fish farm. Elimination of unwanted fishes and other predators is a common practice among fish farmers in Nigeria prior to stocking of desirable fish fingerlings. The use of synthetic pesticides to eliminate unwanted fishes and other predators in pond is persistent and could get into the food chain. Thus, the use of environmentally safe natural pesticides as an alternative is being embraced in aquaculture because they have a short time of toxicity disappearance and biodegradable. This will enhance the principles of sustainable aquaculture production and its management in Nigeria. In Southwestern Nigeria, there is little or no information on commercial production of Moringa oleifera for aquaculture purpose. There is the need for future development on Moringa production on commercial scale in Southwestern Nigeria and elsewhere in the tropics for sustainable aquaculture development. The paper therefore reviewed possible guide to Moringa oleifera production, methodology for its potential application in sustainable aquaculture development in Southwestern Nigeria. Possible prospects and challenges to encounter during commercial production were discussed. Keywords: Moringa oleifera , commercial, Sustainable aquaculture, Southwestern Nigeria

The withdrawal of the World Bank sponsorship of agricultural develop ment programmes (ADP) in Nigeria and the decline in both the funding and overall organization and administration of extension has posed a great challenge as regards effective means of funding extension delivery, privatization of extension service delivery has been considered lately as the only option. The study therefore examined the perception of agricultural extension agents on the privatization of services delivery towards the fish farmers. The study was carried out in Ondo State, Nigeria. Samp le size of 92 respondents (extension agents) from the Ondo State Agricultural Develop ment Project (ODSADP) was used in the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analy zed using frequency counts, percentage, mean score, and Ch i-square. Most of the respondents (66.7%) were male, mean age of 45.1 years, 88.5% were married and 41.7% had Ph.D as the highest educational qualification, while the average working experience of the respondents was10 years. Also, 64.6% of the respondents agreed that the privatization can ensure fish farmers have greater access to fishing inputs, 59.4% agreed that privatization will improve efficiency and effect iveness of extension agents while 57.3% agreed that privatization will improve employ ment opportunities for trained extension personnel. Personal characteristics of extension agents and their perception on privatization of service delivery towards rural fish farmers are not significant (P >0.05). The study concludes that issues on privatization of extension should therefore be given adequate consideration by policy makers, stakeholders in extension service delivery and the government before final decision is taken on whether or not to privatize agricultural extension services in the State.

The need to improve aquaculture production through enhanced technology transfer necessitated this study to assess extension agents’ use of communication methods and its impact on linkage. A structured questionnaire was administered to 44 extension agents who were randomly selected from Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority. Descriptive and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. The results showed that extension agents are involved in various communication methods between institutes, within institutes and researchers; also, prominent linkage activities, such as joint priority setting and planning (95.5%), research-extension training (81.8%), evaluation reports (72%) and joint programming (65.9%) exist among the extension agents. Findings from correlation analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between linkage and communication methods between institute (r =-0.377), linkage and communication methods among extension agents (r =0.379). However, the relationship between communication within and between institute was highly significant (r =0.693), within institute and extension agents (r = 0.458) and within institute and interaction with other scientists (r =0.577) at 0.05 level. The study recommended that extension agents should be provided with all necessary materials that would facilitate effective communication for improvement in service delivery to the fish farmers that are the end users. Keywords : Assessment; communication methods; extension agents; linkage activities; impact

The role of aquaculture in meeting the increasing demand for fish all over the World cannot be over emphasized. The study investigated types of improved aquaculture technologies used by the fish farmers in Oyo State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 117 (60%) fish farmers randomly selected from the two out of three Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADP) zones in the state for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive methods of frequency counts and percentages. Results showed that 98.2% of fish farmers culture fish in earthen ponds, for commercial and home consumption (92.3%). Major production practices include stocking density of two fishes/m 2 (98.3%), water quality management (99.1%) and fish feeding (100%). Key word : Aquaculture, production practices, fish farmers, technologies, Oyo State

This paper focused on the extent of adoption of aquaculture technology introduced to fish farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Researchers have developed technology packages and disseminated it to the fish farmers through extension agents so as to improve aquaculture in Nigeria. The package included nine practices that fish farmers were expected to adopt. Data were collected from fish farmers through structured interview scheduled. Frequency counts and percentages were used as descriptive method of analyzing the data. Results showed that fish farmers adopted mainly three aquaculture technologies introduced by extension agents. These include pond fertilization (89.8%), water quality management (81.9%) and weed control (81.9%). Reasons for non-adoption of technologies include fund (99.1%), effect of the technology (60.0%), skill/manpower (59.0%). To increase the level of adoption of aquaculture technologies in Nigeria, it is necessary to provide fish farmers with credit facilities. Also, extension agents should be provided with motorcycles to enable them visit fish farmers more frequently to provide skill and encourage them to adopt technologies introduced to them. [J.B Ogunremi and O. I Oladele. Adoption of Aquaculture Technology by Fish Farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Life Sci J 2012; 9(2):329-333]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 52.

The study assessed the effects of fish farmers’ personal characteristics and contact with extension agents on technology linkage in Oyo State. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select (60%) 117 respondents from the list of registered fish farmers of the Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP). Questionnaire was used to obtain information on personal characteristics of fish farmers, linkages and their contact with extension agents. Results showed that 99.1% of the respondents were male, 94.9 percent were married and 92.3 percent had linkage with extension agents. Results of the analysis revealed that expected frequency of extension contact was significantly related to linkage at 5% level. It can be concluded that fish farmers had linkage with extension agents and recommended that extension agents should encourage fish farmers to form agricultural social groups in their area to improve on their linkage. Kew words : Contact, fish farmer, linkage, technology, extension agents

The study evaluated the accessibility and problems associated with the use of information and communication technologies in rural areas of Ondo State. Total sampling was used to select 92 rural fish farmers from three riverine Local Governments in the state between February and April. Questionnaire was used in data collection. Data were analyzed by the use of frequency, percentage, mean and Chi-square test. It was found that radio (96.7%), television (84.4%) and mobile phone (95.7%) were most accessible ICTs to fish farmers of which radio is the most effective (62.0%). Problems associated with the use of ICTs were electric power supply (96.7%), lack of access to ICTs (62.0%) and inadequate information on ICTs (59.8%). There were significant relationship (P<0.05) between problems associated with the use and accessibility of ICTs by fish farmers. It is recommended that the government should allow a wide range of radio broadcast options by giving opportunities for private competition provision of radio content which will allow for development input from relevant agencies.