Food security and poverty alleviation under the National Special Programme for Food Security: a preliminary socio-economic assessment of Yamama Lake, Kebbi state, Nigeria

The World Food Summit in its meeting in Rome in 1999 estimated that 790 million people in the developing world do not have enough food to eat. This is more than the total populations of North America and Europe combined. Nigeria is one of the developing countries affected by hunger, deprivation and abject poverty by its citizenry inspite of its enormous natural and human resources. To reduce poverty and increase food supplies to the masses the Federal Government of Nigeria embarked on a programmed-tagged National Special Programme for Food Security (NSPFS) in the year 2002. The programme's broad objectives are to attain food security in the broadest sense and alleviate rural poverty in Nigeria. One of the areas of the programme's intervention is in the aquaculture and inland fisheries development because Nigeria imported 681mt of fish in 2003 with a total cost of about N50 million. The paper assesses the socio-economic conditions of one of the selected water bodies (Yamama Lake) with a view to introducing community-based fisheries management plan for the rational exploitation and management of the fishery and other aquatic resources of the water body thereby increasing fish supply and improving the living standard of the fisherfolk in the area. Data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and questionnaire administration

Salvaging the freshwater ecosystems in Nigeria: great threat to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development

Nigeria, the country of many rivers is also rich in lakes, and wetlands, sustainable and wise use of these inland aquatic ecosystem and water resources has become a matter of widespread and intense concern. Unhealthy freshwater ecosystems and seriously diminishing and unequal availability of quality freshwater call for high quality limnological research and expertise to underpin the enhancement of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.In every regard of national health, agriculture and economics, the continued over exploitation and misuse of finite freshwater resources is directly causal to the progressively deteriorating fish production and general standard of living.The integration of basic understanding of inland ecosystems with applied problems and their solutions should be of fundamental concern to all stakeholders in our freshwater resource. This is a basic element in creating an attractive and security ensured economic for investment in fisheries development, including aquaculture. This is the focus of this paper

A strategy for poverty alleviation in Nigeria through fisheries development: a review

This paper reviews fisheries as an important economic sector in terms of employment, food security, enterprise development, and foreign exchange earning. The fisheries sub sector of agriculture if developed will enhance employment opportunities for rural fisher folks vis a vis the harnessing of less culturable surface area for aquaculture purpose, also homestead pond if fully encouraged and utilized has potential for increasing the fish yield of the nation. The role of women in the artisanal fisheries sub sector was x-rayed as an area to be encouraged, as it has the potential of eradicating poverty from the grass root. The importance of fisheries development in sustainable livelihood and poverty alleviation is highlighted in this paper

Aquaculture potentials and investment opportunity in shrimps and prawns farming in Nigeria

Some aspects of the aquaculture potentials and investment opportunity in shrimps and prawn farming in Nigeria were overviewed. This paper presents the breeding pattern, spawner availability, culture water-type and properties, feeds and feeding regimes and other factors needed in practical shrimps and prawns culture. The culture systems, water management, larval management, stocking density, feeding strategies and diseases were fully discussed. The investment opportunity available as government plans to boost production of these resources from both artisanal and aquaculture sector was documented. Management strategies needed in practical practices of shrimps and prawns culture were enlisted. Effected efforts from the government were listed in this paper

Comparative study on the catch efficiency and size selection of entangling nets in Lake Kainji, Nigeria

The relative catch performance and selectively of gillnets and trammel nets were investigated in 12 sampling stations in Lake Kainji, Nigeria. 3 types of nets with dimensions 50mx3m were constructed using 76mm and 178mm meshsizes for two gillnets, 76mm and 178mm meshsizes for the lint and ar mour nets of the trammelnets respectively. All the nets were randomly ganged together to form a fleet of nine nets each, and were set twice in each of the 12 stations which gave a total of 24 fishing operations. A total of 365 fish weighing 88.9kg and belonging to 16 different species were caught in all the nets. The trammelnet had the highest catch by number and weight constituting 60% and 69.22% of the total catch and weight respectively with a relative species Diversity Index of 0.82. This was followed by 76mm gillnet which constituted 38.63% by number, 28.09% by weight, 0.69 relative Species Diversity Index. The 178mm gillnet had the least catch of 1.37% and 2.9% by number and weight respectively with 0.25 relative Species Diversity Index. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the number and weight of fish caught in the different nets. The minimum selection length for these species caught were the same for each net. The trammel net had a wider selection range that skewed to the right, a higher modal and median length indicating larger individual species being entangled in the net

Some potential occupational and environmental hazards associated with fish pond production in Nigeria

The paper highlights the concept of information and the significance of environmental and occupational hazards associated with pond fish production in Nigeria and discuss the possible options for the ways forward. The major raw material used in fish production system is the organic manure (cow dung, poultry droppings, porcine manure etc) that serves as substrate for heterotrophic production of bacteria and protozoa, which act as food for zooplankton and the fish. The pathogenic organisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa's, and parasites), are noted for the potential hazard to the fish handlers and consumers. Nine species from seven genera of bacteria associated with fish diseases are found to have association with diseases of human such as typhoid fever, bacillary dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract related problems. Also the environmental contaminants in pond fish production become important because of its significance to consumers' acceptance of the fish products

The head-body weight and head-body length relationship of Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider 1801) in Asa Lake, Ilorin, Nigeria

A total of 710 specimens of Synodontis schall were analyzed for the head body weight and head body length relationship. The head constituted 40% of the total body weight and 30% of the total body length. The mean head weight for male and female computed was 23.90g and 29.13g respectively. Head weight in both male and female was significantly different (P<0.01) while the head length for the combined sexes showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Fat accumulation in the body tissue was prominent in the females than males usually before the breeding season. The significance of the cephalo-nuchal shield in the bony head of Synodontis species compared with some other catfishes in the lake was also discussed

Investment opportunity in improved fish smoker (IFS) as food security for artisanal women fish processors (AWOFPS) in Nigeria: a case study of Kainji Lake area

The Improved Fish Smoker (IFS) was designed and constructed by NIFFR in collaboration with GTZ in 1997. After the on-station trials, five fishing villages with pronounced fishing activities were selected for the demonstration. The IFS and the traditional Smoking Kiln were compared in one of the fishing villages using Gross Margin analysis (GM) and productivity index to determine the profitability and productivity of the two kilns. It was found that the average income of IFS users at fully capacity was N5, 555.50 per day in a year N1.3 million would be realized. Conversely, the average income of the users of Traditional Smoking Kiln (TSK) was N649.00 per day and about N152, 150.50 would be realized in a year. From this estimate, it is evident that the IFS are more profitable than the TSK. Productivity index of the two kilns also revealed that the productivity of IFS is higher than the TSK. Thus, using the IFS would enhance the income of artisanal women Fish Processors (AWOFPS) and ensure food security for the household

Assessment of inland waters fisheries in Nigeria with implications for improved freshwater fish production, poverty alleviation and food security

Rapid Appraisals of the current fisheries situations of some selected inland water bodies in Nigeria were carried out within the framework of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Project (AIFP) Annex II of the National Special Programme for Food Security (NSPFS). This paper presents the results of the fishery assessment of one of the selected inland water bodies (Sabke Lake) in Nigeria with a view to optimizing the fish yield through the adoption of improved culture based fishery techniques and community-based fisheries management. The lake is unmanaged and the fishing pressure was found to be very high. Also a number of fishermen were found using small mesh size nets to crop the juveniles of highly valued fish species for an optimum catch. About 14 fishermen ought to have been engaged in full time fishing activities if the fisheries of this lake is to be managed on a sustainable basis. However, a surplus of over 100 fishermen was recorded actively fishing during the period of the study. The results further revealed that Fisheries Rules and Regulations were not established for the national exploitation and proper management of the fisheries of many inland water bodies including Sabke Lake. All these have a depilatory effect on the abundance and sizes of fish harvested from the nigerian inland water bodies especially Sabke Lake. A community based management system that establishes a participatory involvement of fishermen in the conservation and national exploitation of fisheries resources for their own well being is recommended for Sabke Lake and other inland water bodies in Nigeria

Exploratory survey of Malian and Ndururu traps in River Rima, north western Nigeria

The fabrication and operational techniques of Malian and Ndurutu traps mostly used by the fishermen in River Rima in north western Nigeria were evaluated through structured questionnaire and measurement of samples of the Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. There was no standard in the dimensions of either of the traps. The traps were made of locally sourced materials, except the synthetic net of the Malian trap. About 81 and 80% of the respondents fabricated their Malian and Ndurutu traps, respectively. The major problems encountered in the structure and operation of the Malian trap included projection above water, stealing of catches and trap, and trapping of small sized fishes as indicated by 61.9, 47.6 and 28.6% of the respondents, respectively. In the case of the Ndurutu trap, 72.0, 48.0, 12.0 and 8.0% of the respondents respectively indicated poor durability, single entrance valve, destruction by cattle and instability in water, as the major problems encountered. As improvement measures for the Malian trap, the respondents suggested increase in number and size of valve (81.0%), horizontal positioning (57.1%) and square shape (47.6%) while 52.0% each suggested increase in number of entrance valve and netting of Ndurutu trap. The fishermen demonstrated ingenuity in the fabrication and operation of the traps, but they failed to initiate the required improvement. It is important to critically examine the designs, materials, costs and limitations of the traps and the suggestions of the fishermen, as basis for improvement on the technology of the traps

Evaluation of a new fishing pot trap (Lege) in River Rima, north western Nigeria

Based on the findings and diagnostic survey, a new fishing trap, christened Lege trap was designed and fabricated, and the performance evaluated. The 8-valve Lege trap was assessed concurrently with Malian and Ndurutu traps by the fishermen in the study area. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with one factor each replicated three times. Data collected on fish diversity number, biomass and size were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The results showed that 22 fish species belonging to thirteen families were caught. The prototype (Lege) trap recorded higher species diversity index (0.90) than the Malian (0.50) and Ndurutu (0.50) traps. The Lege trap also accounted for the largest number (55%) and biomass (63%) of fish caught which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the Malian and Nduutu traps were. The mean length (15.03~c5.70cm), weight (60.43~c48.61g) and girth (4.77~c1.65cm) of fishes caught in the Lege trap were also significantly (P0.05) higher than those caught in the other two traps. These results demonstrated better performance of the new trap than the two conventional traps, even though the sizes of some of the fish species caught in all the traps were below those allowed by the Sokoto State Fisheries Edict where the study was conducted. Therefore, since it is desirable to develop conservation-oriented trap at a least cost, it is necessary to research further on the number of valves and mesh size of the new trap

Influence of number of valves on catch composition of a fishing pot trap (Lege) in River Rima, north western Nigeria

Three types of prototype (Lege) traps with different numbers of entrance valves were evaluated in River Rima, north western Nigeria. The traps contained 4,6 and 8 valves, tagged 4-V, 6-V and 8-V respectively. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with one factor each replicated three times. Data collected on fish diversity, number biomass and sizes were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The results of the catch composition showed close diversity index of 0.86 for 6-V, 0.80 for 8-V and 0.60 for 4-V Lege traps. However, the number (41%) and biomass 48%) of fish caught in the 6-V Lege trap were significantly (P0.05) higher than those caught in the other traps. There was no definite trend in the sizes (length and girth) of fish caught in the traps. On the basis of species diversity, and the number and biomass of fish caught, the 6-V Lege showed preference for adoption than the other two traps. However, further studies are recommended on the appropriate mesh size net for the trap in line with the provisions of fisheries edicts

International sources of fisheries information to enhance fish production, poverty alleviation and food security in Nigeria and developing Nigerian Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Database

The paper viewed the decline in information provision in Nigeria to poor library development, which could be attributed to poor funding. The consequence is that current journal and books are not available in nigerian fisheries libraries. Information which can be regarded as the first factor of production on which other factors like land, labour and capital depend, can only be provided at the right time when libraries are better founded. For now if there must be increase in fish production, poverty alleviation and food security in Nigeria, our fisheries scientists and policy makers will have to rely on international sources of information using the advantage of internet connectivity. Some of such sources discussed in this paper are ASFA, AGORA, FAO DOAJ, FISHBASE, IAMSLIC, INASP, INASP-PERI, INASP-AJOL, ODINAFRICA, SIFAR, WAS, and ABASFR. However, reliance on international sources must not be at the total neglect of harnessing nigerian fisheries information. For the Nigerian Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Database being developed by NIFFR to attain an international status like those enumerated above, scientists and publishers are requested to take the pain of depositing copies of their publications with NIFFR for inclusion in the Database

Poverty alleviation among fishermen within the floodplains of Kaduna River: implication for introducing commercial fish farming at village level in Doko local government area of Niger State, Nigeria

A diagnostic survey was conducted among the fishermen in six selected villages in Doko Local Government Area of Niger State. One hundred and fifty fishermen were randomly selected and interviewed to find out whether or not they had interest in commercial fish farming aimed at improving their livelihood. The dwindling fish catches in the natural flood plain ponds and Ex-bow Lakes continue to have a serious negative effect on the socio-economic well being of the village communities in question. A break on natural regular annual flooding of the plains had resulted into very low natural fish recruitment. Data analysis using simple descriptive statistics revealed that land tenure system, educational status, inadequate infrastructural facilities, religious taboos, existing fish species among others were found to be favourable indices for commercial fish farming. However, serious conflicts among the fishermen concerning the ownership status of these natural fish ponds are found to be major obstacles to commercial fish farming despite that the traditional ownership of the ponds were vested in the lands of individuals and village communities. Extensive fish farming and small-scale fish farming in the ponds and Ex-bow Lake with improved management practices are considered to be profitable venture. Despite the fact that fish seeds supply and extension effort are still inadequate, the fish farmers have indicated willingness to adopt commercial fish farming in the Ex-bow Lakes and flood plains in order to restore abundant fish production thereby providing for their food security and also increasing the daily income

An overview of the challenges and prospects in developing an aquaculture industry in Lagos State, Nigeria

Macroeconomic growth and the development of sustainable business activities are interrelated. In Lagos State, aquaculture is a marginal economic activity thriving mainly on a semi-intensive level. Notwithstanding the available potentials for the development of successful commercial aquaculture enterprises in the state, the transformation to a full-flagged industry continues to be undetermined by certain critical factors. Feasible development strategies may be sought in increasing all stakeholders' capacity in the formulation of policies, plans and regulations, a complete separation of aquaculture from the capture fisheries in administrative structure and policy; the adoption of precautionary approach; provision of economic incentives to enhance private investments and increase output,respectively