Analysis of Use of Organic Farming Practices among Rural fish Farmers in South-South Nigeria.

The paper focused on the use of organic farming practices amongst fish farmers in South-South Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used and three states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta) were randomly selected from the six states that make up South-South zone in Nigeria. Data for the study was obtained with a structured questionnaire administered to a sample size of one hundred and fifteen (115) fish farmers. Findings revealed that fish farmers were aware of six out of the fourteen organic farming practices listed. Use level was low in organic farming practices for fish. The result revealed that out of the fourteen (14) practices outlined, fish farmers engaged in the use of three of such practices. Farmers agreed to the use of eco-friendly design (x ̅ = 2.56 and SD = 0.86), site is far from polluting substances (x ̅ = 2.57 and SD =1.01) and pond protection from predators ((x ) ̅= 2.70 and SD = 0.89). From the result, the following were considered not being used; Management without growth hormones ((x ) ̅= 2.41 and SD = 0.89), antibiotics is used in critical cases where no other treatment would work ((x ) ̅= 1.97 and SD = 0.88), cultivate without genetic engineering (x ̅ = 2.21 and SD = 1.18), quality water source (x ̅= 2.14 and SD = 1.09), organic fertilizer (x ̅ = 1.89 and SD = 0.98), low stock density 10kg/m3 (x ̅= 1.62 and SD= 0.98), manage without synthetic appetizer and coloring (x ̅= 1.92 and SD= 1.78), poly-culture (x ̅= 1.98 and SD = 0.99), proper record keeping (x ̅ = 1.98 and SD = 1.10), use of resistant species (x ̅ = 2.43 and SD = 1.00) and natural treatment (homeopathy) (x ̅ = 1.86 and SD = 0.89). The low use of organic farming practices among fish farmers could be as a result of challenges or difficulties in carrying out such practices and lack of awareness of the dangers associated with the conventional practices. It is recommended therefore that training on organic fish production practices be emphasized in Extension activities

Roles of Information and Communications Technologies in Improving Fish Farming and Production in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract The study examined the roles of ICTs for improved fish farming and production in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ­- describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the responding fish farmers in the area; identify ICT devices used by respondents in the area; examine fish farming/production information needs of respondents; ascertain ICT roles in promoting fish farming and production in the study area; and identify problems of ICTs use by fish farmers in the study area. Multi stage sampling technique was adopted in sample selection. Data were collected with use of questionnaire and interview schedule. The sample size was 150 fish farmers randomly selected from a list of 1500 registered ICT user fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Andoni, headquarters of Zone II. Data were analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages, presented in tabular forms. Majority, (43.3%) were 41-50 years with a mean age of 42.5 years, 91.3% were males, 76% were married, 63.3% had a family size of 1-4 people. Majority (56%) had secondary education, 50.6% had between 21-30 years in fishing experience. ICT devices used includes mobile phones, radio, television, internet, journals and magazines among. Fish farmers needed information on pond construction, sources of fingerlings, sales and marketing, diseases treatment, weather/temperature an many more. ICTs play the following roles in fish farming: information exchange, knowledge sharing, promotion of education, monitoring illegal fishing and price information provisioning. The challenges facing them includes high cost of device, low level of education, power supply, network problem among others. It was recommended that education and training be given to the farmers by the extension agents, power supply and network services should be improved the various bodies responsible for the service

Roles of Information and Communications Technologies in Improving Fish Farming and Production in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract The study examined the roles of ICTs for improved fish farming and production in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ­- describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the responding fish farmers in the area; identify ICT devices used by respondents in the area; examine fish farming/production information needs of respondents; ascertain ICT roles in promoting fish farming and production in the study area; and identify problems of ICTs use by fish farmers in the study area. Multi stage sampling technique was adopted in sample selection. Data were collected with use of questionnaire and interview schedule. The sample size was 150 fish farmers randomly selected from a list of 1500 registered ICT user fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Andoni, headquarters of Zone II. Data were analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages, presented in tabular forms. Majority, (43.3%) were 41-50 years with a mean age of 42.5 years, 91.3% were males, 76% were married, 63.3% had a family size of 1-4 people. Majority (56%) had secondary education, 50.6% had between 21-30 years in fishing experience. ICT devices used includes mobile phones, radio, television, internet, journals and magazines among. Fish farmers needed information on pond construction, sources of fingerlings, sales and marketing, diseases treatment, weather/temperature an many more. ICTs play the following roles in fish farming: information exchange, knowledge sharing, promotion of education, monitoring illegal fishing and price information provisioning. The challenges facing them includes high cost of device, low level of education, power supply, network problem among others. It was recommended that education and training be given to the farmers by the extension agents, power supply and network services should be improved the various bodies responsible for the service

Analysis of Information and Communication Technology Roles in Poverty Reduction Among Small and Medium Scale Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examines the role ICTs play in poverty reduction among small and medium scale (SMS) farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 170 (SMS) farmers in Imo State using well structured questionnaire. Analysis of data collected was done using percentages and mean presented in tabular forms. It was seen from results that 38.2% of the respondents are within the age bracket of 51-60 years. Majority (43.5%) attended secondary school, 48% have put in 11-20 years in farming, while 71.7% have a farm size 0.25-1.5 hectares. ICT devices used include radio, mobile phones, television, among others. On frequency of use of ICT devices, radio is the most frequently used as indicated on a daily basis. They also use telephone, magazines and newspapers. ICTs play veritable roles such as increasing access to education, health information, information on diseases/pest outbreak, market information employment generation, credit opportunities among other. Social amenities be provided by government so that small and medium scale farmers wii have unlimited access to other modern ICT facilities