Research
Assessment of Socio-Economic Analysis of Fish Farming in Oyo State, Nigeria
This study assessed the socio-economic analysis of fish farming in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 222 fish farmers from all the four agricultural zones in the state. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and profitability ratios. The study revealed that the mean age, household size and fish farming experience were 46 years, 6 persons per household and 9.3 years respectively. The result of the budgetary analysis show that average total cost (TC) of N 2,883, 515.08 was incurred, total revenue (TR) of N 4,873,521.29 was realized and a returning gross margin (GM) of N 2,376,616.36. The profitability ratio gave a benefit-cost ratio of 1.69, rate of return of 0.69 gross revenue ratio (GRR) of 0.59 and expense structure ratio (ESR) of 0.15. This is an indication that fish farming is profitable in the study area. Constraints perceived by most of the farmers include high cost of fish feed and market price fluctuation. Significant level of profit obtained from the study is evidence that it has the potential in alleviating household poverty in the country thus; government should provide credit facilities with small interest rate to fish farmers.
Limitations to the Adoption of Recommended Aquaculture Production Technologies by Small Scale Fish Farmers in Oyo State Nigeria
The study was designed to identify the limitations to the adoption of recommended aquaculture production technologies by smallscale fish farmers Oyo State. A structured interview schedule was utilized in obtaining information from two hundred and twenty two respondents. Data were analysed descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed majority (49.1%) of the respondents were with the economic active age and mostly males (84.2%). Constraints perceived by most of the farmers include high cost of fish feed and market price fluctuation (100%), high cost/lack of construction equipment (96.0%), non-availability/high cost of quality fish seed (90.1%) and preservation and storage facilities (75.2%). Chi square analyses showed that there is a significant association between adoption of innovation and sex (􀈤2 = 2.16, p < 0.05), educational level (􀈤2 = 9.30, p < 0.05), occupation (􀈤2 = 4.81, p < 0.05) and marital status (􀈤2 = 5.32, p < 0.05). It was concluded that efforts should be made by extension agents to design programmes aimed at co-opting small scale fish farmers towards achieving a mass adoption of recommended aquaculture production technologies.
Comparison of Microbial Load Associated with Smoked Fish (Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus) from Oyan Lake and Ogun Waterside in Ogun State, Nigeria
This study compares the microbial load associated with smoked fish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from Oyan lake and Ogun waterside in Ogun State. Three samples each were purchased from Lafenwa and Makun-omi markets respectively. Microbial load in the skin, intestine and gills were assessed using Macconky Agar (MA), and Nutrient Agar (NA) to isolate bacteria while Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used to isolate fungi. The average bacterial counts for all the samples ranged from 3.1 x106 to 4.9 x106 in makun market while 6.8 x106 to 13.8 x106 in lafenwa market has the highest bacteria count. The microorganism isolated and identified in the markets include the following families of bacteria: Bacillus spp (10%, 10%), Micrococcus spp (10%, 10%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5%, 10%), Escherichia coli (10%, 15%) and Staphylococcus aureus (5%, 10%) of which Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus percentage occurrence rate were higher in lafenwa market. The fungal family include; Fusarium spp (14.3%, 28.6%), Mucor spp (14.3%, 28.6%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (0.0%, 14.3%). The results therefore showed that smoked fish from Oyan lake were heavily contaminated than that of Ogun waterside when compared with the maximum recommended bacteria count for good quality product and this has effect on human health after consumption. The contamination of the surrounding environment with industrial and domestic waste should be controlled as well as ensure proper handling of fish. The health implication to consumers and the public health importance was also revealed in the stud
