Social structure of fish farmers in Osun State, South-West Nigeria

A survey of seventy-two selected fish farms in Osun State South-West Nigeria was carried out to determine the social status of the fish farmers. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on age, educational background, marital status, mode of operation and type of culture embarked upon by the farmers among others. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that most fish farmers (58.3%) in the state were male and were aged between 31-50 years old.91.7% of fish farmers were married and 95.8% had formal education. 63.9% adopted polyculture system. Tilapia and catfish were the two main species being cultured and 75% produced table fish while only 5.6% were involved in fish breeding. 83.3% practised fish farming on part-time basis and 66.7% were involved in non-agricultural occupation to supplement their production. 86.1% owned land either by inheritance or purchase, 8.3% operated on leased land and 5.6% rented the land upon which they operated. 75% of the respondents got their capital from personal savings, 11.1% from cooperatives, and only 5.6% had access to bank loans. 52.8% were regularly visited by extension agents 16.7% were occasionally visited while 30.5% were seldom visited. Only 27.8% belonged to farmers’ association.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olasunkanmi, J.B., Omitoyin, B.O., Ipinmoroti, M.O.
Format: conference_item biblioteca
Language:English
Published: Fisheries Society of Nigeria 2010
Subjects:Aquaculture, Sociology, Nigeria, Osun State, freshwater environment, Fish culture, Intensive culture, Sociological aspects,
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1834/38196
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