Accessibility and Frequency of Quality Fish Seed Supply among Fish Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Accessibility and frequency of fish seed supply are major determinants of the quality and quantity of fish production available for consumption by the citizen. The study examined the accessibility and frequencyof quality fish seed supply among fish farmers in Benue State. 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 such as frequency and percentage. The results showed that 92.5% of fish farmers were male, 85.0% married and 56.7% had tertiary education. Respondents that had accessibility to quality fish seed 97.0%. Frequency of accessibility was not regular 95.5%, Clarias sp 93.2% was accessible in rainy and dry seasons (82.7%). It is recommended that concerted efforts be made by fish farmers, individuals and government at all levels to invest in modern fish hatcheries for quality fish seed production.