You have no items in your shopping cart.
ABSTRACT
Aquaculture is not just a matter of producing fish; it is part of a complex value chain that is itself influenced by a range of environmental, societal and governmental factors that make the difference between a successful or failed initiative. The main aim of this study is to assess the government empowerment programmes in aquaculture especially in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State. The specific objectives of the study are to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of fish farmers in the study area; evaluate the government empowerment programs in the study area; impact of some state government empowerment schemes on fish farmers in the study area; and challenges faced by farmers in the study area. Results were presented using descriptive analysis in tables and charts. Results revealed that majority 61(50.8%) of the respondents were single, 57(47.5%) were married while 2(1.7%) were widows. Results also shows that farmers had participated in various schemes available in the study area. Majority 46(38.2%) were into 10m catfish project (International organisation for migrants) followed by N cares (Nigeria Covid 19 action recovery and econmics stimulus 34 (28.3%) CACS (Commercial/Agric credit scheme) 23 (19.2) while 8(6.7%) were into RUFIN (Rural Finance and Instutition Building) and IFAD-life Nd (Livelihood improvement family enterprise Niger Delta. From the study it was observed that access to information was majorly from the extension workers i.e face to face contact with the respondents showing the importance of extension workers in improving aquaculture development not just to set up schemes but to make sure it is readily available. The study therefore recommended that the government should ensure that policy supports both a precautionary and sustainable approach in disseminating information and other means of creating awareness for this programme as well as updating more policies and programme to improve the image of aquaculture.
