FISHERIES EXTENSION SERVICES IN OGUN STATE

The study attempts to assess the current trends, impact and constraints of fisheries extension services to artisanal fishers in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State. The survey approach was used to generate the needed data using 120 structured questionnaires. Simple statistical techniques such as means and percentages were used to analyse the data. Results of data analysis showed that 95 percent of the respondents, mostly in the middle age group were aware of the presence of extension support services. Ogun State Agricultural Development Project with 86.3 percent was more popular of the two institutions responsible for extension in the state services. The rating of extension service was low as only 36 percent reported that fisheries extension services was helpful to them. The study concluded that the support services were lacking in areas of provision of credits, fishing inputs and other needs of the fishers in the costal fishing villages. It is therefore suggested that adequate attention should be given in all deficient areas in order to improve extension services for increased fish production in Ogun State. African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 78-8