AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

PROBLEMS OF VERTICAL INTEGRATIONAMONG FISH FARMERS ANDWAY FORWARD IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Benson, D. N.

Abstract
This study assessed problems of vertical integration among fish farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The paper looked at distribution of respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and problems of vertical integration among fish farmers in the study area. Data for the study was collected from 37 vertically integrated fish farmers that exist in the State. To analyze the data, collected descriptive statistics and Likert-type rating scale was used. The study revealed that the vertically integrated fish farmers were mostly within the range of 41-45 years, married having household size of 6-10 persons. The study revealed that the vertically integrated fish farmers were experienced, learned, and majored only as fish culture farmers. However, farmers complained of large capital required for starting, irregular electricity, sinking of local feed produced, poor drying of fish, and stressful activities of feed production, fingerling hatching and processing. of fish. It was suggested that fish culture farmers should be provided with credit at low interest rate, up-to-date knowledge in fish culture and extension services to enhance productivity.