Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization Patterns of the Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The descriptive survey design using questionnaires and structured interview were adopted as instrument for data collection. Population of study consisted of 391 with the determined sample size of 198 fishermen. Frequency count, simple percentages and mean (x̅) were used to analyze the data. The study revealed traditional sources of information dissemination as contact with colleagues, information disseminated in market places and fishing festivals while modern sources of information dissemination included radio, mobile phone use and newspapers. The shortage of public librarians, libraries and extension workers, language barrier and lack of motivation were challenges associated with information dissemination and utilization by artisanal fishermen in Benue state. The study recommended that effective sources of information dissemination should be employed as this will enhance dissemination and utilization by artisanal fishermen and improve fish production rate in Benue state.