EXTENSION SERVICE NEEDS OF FISH FARMERS IN IJEBU-ODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Low productivity of fish in Nigeria has been associated with the inability of extension services to reach and address immediate problems of fish farmers. This study investigated extension service needs of fish farmers in Ijebu-Ode LGA of Ogun State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 120 purposively selected respondents from the study area. Data were analysed with the use of descriptive statistics such as (frequency count, percentages and mean) and inferential statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation to determine relationship between constraints and extension service needs among fish farmers in the study area. The findings showed that most of the respondents (79.2%) fell within the age range of 26-55 years. Majority (50.8%) were married with fairly large household size of six. Most (59.2%) of the respondents were males while (63.3%) had tertiary education and 60.8% were Christians.The study further revealed that most respondents (55.0%) used concrete pond for their fish farming and (85.0%) used local feeds to feed their fishes. Pond construction (52.5%), fish breeding (54.2%) and disease treatment and prevention (63.3%) are extension services that are mostly needed by the respondents.Extension services of the respondents was severely constrained by water scarcity (35.8%), high cost of feed (7.3%), microcredit procurement (45.0%) and genetic brood stockfish (35.8%). Significant relationship existed between constraints (r = 0.317, p = 0.000) faced by the respondents and their needed extension services.The level of extension service needs of the respondents was high among more than half (57.5%) inspite of being matured, experienced and highly educated. The study recommended that extension services providers should be proactive in their service delivery so that the needed services will be delivered to fish farmers at the appropriate or needed time.Government should try to ease stringent conditions often attached to credit facilities by the providers. Effective monitoring and supervision of extension agents must be carried out regularly. This will enhance effective delivery of extension services to fish farmers in the study area which in the long run may translate to high productivity, income and better standard of living.