Analysis of Gender Participation in Fish Farming in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed gender participation in fish farming in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. An interview guide was used to gather data from Eighty-seven (87) randomly selected fish farmers in the Area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics while difference between selected variables of male and female fish farmers was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test of difference. The mean ages of the male and female fish farmers were 34 and 35 years respectively. Majority (68.6%) of the male and (69%) of the female respondents had tertiary education while (47.4%) and (50.0%) of the male and female respondents respectively had family size of 6 -10 persons. The mean monthly income of the male and female fish farmers were N270952.50 and N147500.00. Majority of the male farmers (50.7%) and female farmers (87.5%) obtained their fish seeds from commercial fish breeders. Most (91.5%) of male and (68.6%) female farmers sold their fish fresh directly from the pond. The farmers used the earthen ponds male (84.5%); female (87.5%). The major constraints to fish farming among the male and female farmers include poor water supply during dry season ( =1.67, =1.54) and insufficient land ( =1.64, =1.50). Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between the male and female farmers in the mode of marketing fish and fish mortality as constraints at P<0.05. The study recommends training on fish processing and fish health management for male and female fish farmers respectively as well as improved access to credit.

Keywords: Aquaculture, Involvement, Fish Farmers, Constraints