AN ANALYSIS OF FISH FARMERS’ MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND INFORMATION NEEDS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA .

This study analysed the management practices and information needs of fish farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study adopted a multistage sampling technique to collect primary data from 166 fish farmers. Descriptive statistics, Likert Scale, and Ordinary Least Square regression model were used to analyse the data collected. The findings of the study indicated that the prominent information sources among the farmers were the internet and acquaintances/friends. Similarly, the study established that the majority of the respondents need information on most aspects of fish farming and that the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers influence these information needs. Furthermore, high-cost of fish feed, lack/inadequacy of capital, lack of good/reliable market information, and poor breeds of fish were identified as the leading respondents’ constraints in fish production. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is a dire need for the government and other agricultural development actors to employ and also motivate more agricultural extension agents in the area to enable the fish farmers to access them for information. The findings of this study will substantially contribute to aquaculture planning in the country so as to enhance gains from the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]