ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to survey the handling practices by fish marketers on fresh fish sold in the market in Benin City, Edo State. Data collected were on the socio economic characteristics of the fish marketers, handling and marketing practices of the fish marketers including the display method of fish in the market and constraints faced by the marketers in marketing of fish. The study was carried out with 80 questionnaires which were distributed to the fish marketers in four selected markets in Benin City. This markets include: Iyanga market, Ikpoba hill market, Ekiosa market and New Benin market. Data collected from the field survey was carefully analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Students (SPSS). Presentation of results was done using descriptive statistics such as percentage, tables, bar charts and pie charts. In Benin City, fish marketing is almost exclusively a preserve of the private sector where livelihood and socio-economic growth of a number of people engaged are associated with the efficiency of fish distribution and marketing. The market chain from fishermen and producers to consumers passes through a number of intermediaries, and the handling practices carried out by fish marketers or traders determines the texture of the fish when it gets to the consumer.
The results showed that 73.75% of the fish marketers were females. Most of the fish marketers were into full time trading and were mainly between the age of 31-40. Analysis on the handling and marketing practices indicated that fish marketers obtain their fish from fishermen and fish farmers, with catfish being the most preferred fish in the market. The marketers store their fish either by refrigerating, for live fish, living inside a bowl of water or processing the fish. Handling practices such as storing live fish in dirty water, heaping fish offal and dead fish, using dirty tables to kill and sort fish, exposing fish to harsh weather condition and displaying fish on the ground or exposed on trays where flies easily perch on were observed.
The major problem faced by fish marketers is the loss of fish in both economic and physical value. Fish with bad appearance attracts low market value. It is recommended that Fish marketers should practice proper hygiene and good handling practices so as to deliver good quality fish to the consumers.
