E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development

E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development Vol. 6 (3) pp. 065-069, September 2016; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9897
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18685/EJARD(6)3_EJARD-16-013

Analysis of Perceived Effects of Climate Variation on Fish Farming in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effects of changing climate on fish farming in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the fish farmers, identify observed evidence of climate change in the study area, examine perceived effects of climate change on fish farming activities and to identify the adaption strategies taken up by the respondents. Multi stage sampling technique was employed in selection of sample respondents. Data were collected through structured pretested questionnaire and by personal interview. 250 fish farmers were selected randomly from a list of 2500 fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Andoni, headquarters of Zone II. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, presented in tabular forms. Majority of the fish farmers (42%) were in the age group of 51 years and above, 81% were males, 82% were married, 36.8% had a family size of 6-10 people. 37.6 percent sample respondents have secondary education, 43.6% had more than 21 years in fishing experience. Climate change evidence observed through the variable precipitation, intensity of sunlight, velocity of winds, frequency of flood etc. Climate changes affect fish production in many ways such as increased fish harvest, increase growth rate, increased diseases outbreak, deteriorated water quality, changes in fish harvest pattern, increased cost of production.

Keywords: Climate change, fish farming, adaptation, temperature, Rivers state.