Socio-economic determinants of output on artisanal fishing in Oyorokoto fishing settlement in Andoni Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted in Oyorokoto fishing settlement in Andoni local Goverenment Area of Rivers State, to assess the socio-economic determinants of output on artisanal fishing area. The objectives of the study were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of artisanal fishers, determine the cost and returns of artisanal fishing, determine the socio-economic variables on artisanal fishing output and identify the constraints faced by artisanal fisher folks in the study area. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. A purposive sampling method was used to select 83 fisher folks across five clans, with 17 randomly chosen from each clan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin model and OLS regression. Results showed most fishers were aged 26-35 years (34.9%) with a household size of 6-10 persons (45.8%). The majority (44.6%) had 8-14 years of fishing experience. Males dominated the occupation (70%) and most were single (44%). Monthly spending on variable inputs averaged N57, 086.54, with an estimated revenue of N365,157.00 and a gross margin of N308,070.46. The semi-log regression model was the best fit, with an R2 value of 0.834, indicating that 83% of the variability in output was explained by the independent variables. The model’s F-ratio (53.9987) was significant at 1%, confirming its robustness. Major constraints included high labour cost, reduced catch volume, water tide seasonality and insecurity from sea piracy. Recommendations include forming cooperatives to access government grants, enhancing waterway and providing storage facilities like cold rooms to reduce post-harvest losses.