Effect of rural-urban migration on household food security in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effects of rural-urban migration on household food security in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the migrants’ household; identified the causes of rural-urban migration in the study area and determined the food security status of the respondents in the study area. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected across 10 villages in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primarydata. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square multiple regression model. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that the respondents have a mean age of 49 years and majority of the migrants’ household were educated and married, with male dominated household constituting 79.16 % and mean household size of 5 persons. It also showed that most (81.66%) of the respondents were engaged in farming occupation with mean income of ₦50,737.The three main causes of rural-urban migration in the study area were: search for job, better education and join spouse. The results of the food security status showed that 66.67% of the respondents have food security index of less than 1. The results of the regression analysis showed that age, household size and food from friends were the major determinants of food security in the study area. The study thus recommends that government through its relevant agencies should encourage sustainable food production through subsidizing farm inputs and giving improved seedlings to farmers to boost their productivity and achieve the sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030.Keywords: rural-urban migration, household and food securit

Potential of Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus for sport fisheries and ecotourism development in Nigeria

The Atlantic Tarpon, Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus is a marine fish of high commercial importance with a special fishery in western, central and south-western Atlantic Ocean where it is a very important game fish. The species provides sport fishery especially in the western Atlantic coast of America which has generated millions of dollars in tourism, employment and boat charters. Tarpon fishery in America is highly regulated and there are strict guidelines on capture, bag limits and fishing seasons. Tarpon puts up a spectacular fight when hooked, leaping up to 2-3m above water surface and landing with a smacking splash that can be heard one kilometer away. It is the leaping powers that make tarpon a favourite to anglers. In the coastal waters of south-west Nigeria especially for the natives of the coastal communities of Ondo State, T. atlanticus is a delicacy and of high economic value. Some local fishermen and fish farmers in the area stock Tarpon in their ponds purely for recreational purposes. Some of these tarpon farms were integrated with snack bars and served as tourist centres. Visitors including individuals and educational institutions frequent the fish farm during excursions and pay a stipulated fee per person as entry permit to the farm thereby generating more revenue to the farmer. This paper highlights the importance of Tarpon as a game fish and suggests strategies for development of its culture both as food fish and for ecotourism