Fish farmers willingness to pay for agricultural information in Edo State, Nigeira

Abstract

Information from agriculture research in institutes is needed by farmers/fish farmers inclusive to enhance their production. This study  assessed fish farmers willingness to pay or agricultural information in Edo State, Nigeria, specifically, the study examined the socio- economic characteristics of fish farmers; identified the agricultural information respondents are willing to pay for; and ascertain  respondents perception of agricultural information influencing their willingness to pay. A random sample of 150 fish farmers was  selected for from the 3 agricultural extension service zones in the study area. Data were solicited with interview schedule and analyses with frequency count, percentage and mean and relationship test with Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Result showed that  a higher proportion (47.3%) of the respondents 44 and 50 years, also 41.3% of respondents had family size of between 1 and 5 persons  and 40.7% had fish farming experience of between 11 and 20 years. The fish farmers were more willing to pay for pond preparation  information (m=3.66). There was significant relationship between respondents age (r=0.46, P<0.05), farming experience (r=0.75, P<0.05)  and pond size (r=0.666, P<0.05) and their willingness to pay for agricultural information. The study recommended that fish farmers be  well educated for those areas of information they are not yet willing to pay for as these areas are usually and technically necessary in fish  production.