The Roles of Brackish Water Aquaculture in Fish Supply and Food Security in Some Coastal Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria
Journal Title: International Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology - Year 2015, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Background and Aim: Fish plays a crucial role in human nutrition and food supply across the globe, particularly among the poor segment of the society. Food fish currently represents the major source of animal protein needed for growth and development, especially among the children and women who are more vulnerable to malnutrition in developing countries. The importance of food to an individual and society cannot be over emphasized, as food is a basic necessity of life and sufficient intake of quality food is imperative for people to live a strong, vibrant and productive life. Considering the importance of fish food, this study therefore assessed the contribution of brackish water fish farming to stable fish supply and food security in coastal communities of Rivers State. Methods: The roles of brackish water aquaculture in fish supply and food security in 10 coastal communities of Rivers State were investigated using structured questionnaires. The results obtained revealed that majority (56.5%) of the respondents were males, within the age bracket of 36 -50 (36.0%), with house hold size of 6-10 (48.5%). Also, most of the respondents (55.0%) had secondary education. The prominent (20.0%) primary occupations of the respondents include: schooling, fishing aquaculture and fish processing. Results: The result further revealed that Tilapia species is the most consumed fish (26.0%). In analysis of the sources of fish consumed by the respondents, most of the fish comes from fishing (45.0%), 37.0% from aquaculture and 18.0 %, from imported frozen fish. Assessing the role of aquaculture as a source of fish food, the respondents believed that aquaculture ensures regular supply (27. 5%), accessibility (25.0 %), low price (20.0%), big size (12.5%) clean (7.5%), good packaging (5. 0 %) and value addition (2.5%) of fish. Conclusion: It is of note that aquaculture plays a crucial role in regular supply and accessibility of fish, which will enhance food security in these coastal areas.
Authors and Affiliations
Akinrotimi Ojo Andrew, Edun Olajunmoke Modupe, Williams Ibama Jenewari Evans
Outline of Biological Effects, Fecundity, Eclosion and Lifespan on Adult Tropical Warehouse Moth, Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by using Sex Ratio
Tropical warehouse moth Cadra cautella Walker, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a major pest of stored food products worldwide. It was originated from the tropics and subtropics but it disperses through imported food car...
Dissipation Behavior of Fenpyroximate Residues in Black Tea and Brew
Fenpyroximate is an effective acaricide on several food crops. In the present study, dissipation of residue of this acaricide in black tea, tea infusion and spent tea was studied. Analysis was carried out using high perf...
Influence of Slaughtering Ages on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Composition and Haematology of Extensively Managed Red Sokoto Bucks Slaughtered In Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ages at slaughtering on carcass characteristics, meat composition and haematology of extensively managed Red Sokoto bucks slaughtered in Abeokuta Metropolis, South-Weste...
Resource Management Skills in Sorghum Growing Enterprise for Training Youths for Employment in Kwara and Kogi State, Nigeria
The purpose of this study was to identify resource management skills in sorghum growing enterprise for training youths for employment in Kwara and Kogi State. The study adopted survey research design. Two research questi...
Effect of Substitution of β-Glucans on the Glycemic Response and Thermal Properties of Four Common Starches
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern worldwide which can lead to a series of disabling complications and diseases. β-glucans are non-starch polysaccharides that are being used as food additives for the...