An Appraisal of Artisanal Fishery Enterprises in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study appraised the artisanal fishery enterprises in Andoni L.G.A of Rivers State. A survey method involving random sampling technique was used in selecting 100 artisanal fishing folks for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 100 artisanal fisher men and women which were randomly administered. Percentage, mean and multiple regression were used for analyses of data. The result shows that the mean age of respondents was 37 years, while the mean house hold size is 7 and that majority (58%) of fishing folks were experienced in the fishing enterprise. The result also showed that most of the respondents (45%) had primary education and also majority of respondents (93%) never had access to credit facilities to enable them purchase fishing crafts and gears whose prices have gone beyond the reach of an average fisherman. The findings of this study further showed that artisanal fishing enterprise in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is profitable. The regression analysis also revealed that the output of individual fishing households is significantly influenced by variables, namely, capital, labour, operating costs, fishing experience and education. The study also showed that the fishing folks had never received extension service which should have exposed them to better fishing techniques and training. It is therefore recommended that relevant agencies, public and private should encourage this fishing folks by providing the needed capacities to boost fish production to curb hidden hunger and promote food security