Constraints to Adoption of Recommended Fish Technologies among Homstead Catfish Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Constraints to adoption of recommended fish technologies among homestead catfish farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria were investigated in this study. Multistage random sampling procedure was used in selecting agricultural blocks, circles and homestead catfish farmers. The sample size was 120 homestead catfish farmers. Data was collected on farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, level of adoption of fisheries technology and constraints to adoption. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean. Results indicate that fertilization of pond/water management and fingerlings production ( = 4.1), pond construction ( = 3.9), feeding rate ( = 3.7), stocking rate ( = 3.8) and harvesting and processing ( = 3.8) were the catfish technology packages adopted by farmers. Constraints to adoption of catfish technology packages amongst homestead catfish farmers were unavailability of hybrid fingerlings ( = 2.6), fish diseases ( = 2.3), water pollution (M=2.2), high cost of fish feed ( =2.1) and infrequent visit by extension workers ( = 2.3). Policies aimed at encouraging farmers’ access to extension education, subsidy of farm inputs, availability and effective distribution of improved fish seeds were advocated for increased catfish production.