Abstract
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design to examine the socio-economic characteristics of fisheries stakeholders and the economic benefits derived from artisanal fishing activities in the Cable–Ogbeogonogo axis of River Niger, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The study population comprised fishermen, fish traders, fish processors, and fish consumers operating within the study area. Data were collected from 200 respondents using a structured questionnaire titled “Socio-Economic Characteristics and Economic Benefits of Artisanal Fisheries Questionnaire (SECEBAFQ)” and a complementary Interview Schedule on Artisanal Fisheries Activities (ISAFA). The instruments were subjected to face and content validation by experts in Agricultural Economics, Fisheries Management, and Measurement and Evaluation. Their observations and recommendations were incorporated into the final version of the instruments. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined through a pilot study involving 20 fisheries stakeholders from a neighboring fishing community outside the study area. The data obtained were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82, indicating that the instrument was reliable for data collection. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to analyze the data, while inferential statistics, specifically the independent sample t-test, were employed to examine income differences among stakeholder groups.The results revealed that the fisheries sector was predominantly male-dominated (72.0%), with the majority of respondents aged between 41 and 50 years (31.0%). Most respondents possessed secondary education (43.0%), indicating a relatively literate workforce capable of adopting improved fisheries practices. Fishermen constituted the largest occupational group (38.5%), followed by fish traders (26.5%). The findings further showed that artisanal fishing activities contributed significantly to household income, with fishermen earning a mean monthly income of ₦124,500 ± 31,200 compared to ₦98,300 ± 27,450 earned by fish sellers. Independent sample t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in income between fishermen and fish sellers (t = 6.14; p < 0.05). Despite the economic benefits derived from fisheries activities, respondents identified major constraints including high operational costs, declining fish stocks, inadequate storage and preservation facilities, and fluctuating market prices, all of which negatively affected profitability. The study concludes that artisanal fisheries remain a vital source of livelihood, employment generation, income, and food security for households in the study area. It recommends among others that Fishermen and fish traders should strengthen and actively participate in cooperative societies to enhance their access to credit, production inputs, market information, and collective bargaining opportunities. Through cooperative action, stakeholders can pool resources, reduce operational costs, and improve their income level
Paper Information
- Author(s): OYIBO, AMECHI. A.
- Journal: Journal of Education, the Teacher and Professional Practices
- Publisher: Journal of Education, the Teacher and Professional Practices
- Publication Date: 2026-06-20
- DOI: 10.0000/hont.2026.socio-economic-characteristics-and-economic-benefits-of-artisanal-fisheries-in-the-cable-ogbeogonogo-axis-of-river-niger-asaba-delta-state-nigeria
- Keywords: Artisanal fisheries, fishermen, fish traders, income generation, River Niger, socioeconomic characteristics.
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Recommended Citation
OYIBO, AMECHI. A. (2026). SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ARTISANAL FISHERIES IN THE CABLE OGBEOGONOGO AXIS OF RIVER NIGER ASABA DELTA STATE NIGERIA. Journal of Education, the Teacher and Professional Practices. https://doi.org/10.0000/hont.2026.socio-economic-characteristics-and-economic-benefits-of-artisanal-fisheries-in-the-cable-ogbeogonogo-axis-of-river-niger-asaba-delta-state-nigeria
Read Abstract
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design to examine the socio-economic characteristics of fisheries stakeholders and the economic benefits derived from artisanal fishing activities in the Cable–Ogbeogonogo axis of River Niger, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The study population comprised fishermen, fish traders, fish processors, and fish consumers operating within the study area. Data were collected from 200 respondents using a structured questionnaire titled “Socio-Economic Characteristics and Economic Benefits of Artisanal Fisheries Questionnaire (SECEBAFQ)” and a complementary Interview Schedule on Artisanal Fisheries Activities (ISAFA). The instruments were subjected to face and content validation by experts in Agricultural Economics, Fisheries Management, and Measurement and Evaluation. Their observations and recommendations were incorporated into the final version of the instruments. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined through a pilot study involving 20 fisheries stakeholders from a neighboring fishing community outside the study area. The data obtained were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82, indicating that the instrument was reliable for data collection. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to analyze the data, while inferential statistics, specifically the independent sample t-test, were employed to examine income differences among stakeholder groups.The results revealed that the fisheries sector was predominantly male-dominated (72.0%), with the majority of respondents aged between 41 and 50 years (31.0%). Most respondents possessed secondary education (43.0%), indicating a relatively literate workforce capable of adopting improved fisheries practices. Fishermen constituted the largest occupational group (38.5%), followed by fish traders (26.5%). The findings further showed that artisanal fishing activities contributed significantly to household income, with fishermen earning a mean monthly income of ₦124,500 ± 31,200 compared to ₦98,300 ± 27,450 earned by fish sellers. Independent sample t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in income between fishermen and fish sellers (t = 6.14; p < 0.05). Despite the economic benefits derived from fisheries activities, respondents identified major constraints including high operational costs, declining fish stocks, inadequate storage and preservation facilities, and fluctuating market prices, all of which negatively affected profitability. The study concludes that artisanal fisheries remain a vital source of livelihood, employment generation, income, and food security for households in the study area. It recommends among others that Fishermen and fish traders should strengthen and actively participate in cooperative societies to enhance their access to credit, production inputs, market information, and collective bargaining opportunities. Through cooperative action, stakeholders can pool resources, reduce operational costs, and improve their income level