Analysis of the Constraints to the Adoption of Improved Fish Farming Technologies by Farmers in Yola North and South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the constraints to adoption of improved fish farming technologies by fish farmers in Yola North and South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data which were obtained through the use of questionnaires and personal interview administered to 98 respondents were used for the study. The study revealed that ten technologies were available for the farmers in the study area. Results on the adoption of the technologies shows that site selection (soil testing) and preservation after harvesting (chilled storage) were the least adopted technologies by 2.0% of the respondents respectively. Pond maintenance and pond stocking with fish based on recommendation were the most widely adopted technologies by 73.5% and 89.8% of the respondents’ respectively. The result of the correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship at 5% level of significance between constraints and adoption of recommended fish farming technologies. Insufficient funds, high cost of feeds and inadequate extension visits were the major constraints faced by fish farmers in the study area. It is recommended that agricultural credit schemes should be pursued and implemented and supply of quality fish feeds should be facilitated by all stakeholders at the right time and controlled prices. Extension workers should rededicate their efforts towards dissemination of information and visiting farmers’ fish farms so as to supervise and advice on the best methods of fish farming.