Socio-Economic analysis and fishing activites of lagoon and marine fishermen in Lagos State

Abstract

Fishermen have distinctive social and economic features which affect their fishing operations. The study was therefore designed to identify the socio-economic characteristics of fisher-folks living in lagoon and coastal communities and assesses the fishing activities. Frequency distribution, percentages, chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlations were used for analyses of the data collected. Fishing households situated close to the lagoon are characterized as being large in size and with low level of education. The lack of access to credit has limited the fishing effort of fishermen, thereby affecting their income. Lagoon fishermen earn much lower than their counterparts operating in the marine waters. Due to the seasonal variation of fish catches, fishermen are involved in other sources of livelihood. Results of the chi-square reveal that household size and membership of cooperative society have significant relationship (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively) with income of the fishermen. The Pearson Product Moment Correlations show that ownership of out-board engine and different fishing nets have significant relationship (P < 0.01), while years of education is significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with income of the fishermen. The need to provide other forms of off–farm income alternatives, provision of credit and formation of community based management committee are highlighted as the way forward to assist the fishermen.

Keywords: fishermen, lagoon and marine fishing communities

African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol. 4 2005: pp. 67-71