GENDER PARTICIPATION IN AQUACULTURE VALUE CHAIN IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Bernadette Tosan Fregene* and Peace Okoh
 
*Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Nigeria
 Email: tosanfregene@yahoo.co.uk

The lack of adequate gender-specific data and statistics has given rise to stereotype assumption on the contributions of men and women in agricultural production; aquaculture inclusive. This consequently has negatively influenced policies and programs geared towards increased productivity. The study was therefore aimed to analyze the gender participation in aquaculture value chain in Delta State, Nigeria. Factors influencing gender participation and consumer preference for cultured fish were determined. Multi-stage stratified sampling was used to select total sample size of 270 stakeholders. Structured questionnaires were administered to 70 fish farmers, 30 traders ∕ retailers, 30 fish processors, 30 restaurants, 80 consumers and 30 service providers.  Descriptive and inferential statistics (T-test, probit and logit (α=0.05) were used for the analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that majority of the fish farmers were male (77.1%), 90.0% of the trader/retailer were female, 80.0% of the processors were female. Along the supply chain, fish farmers sold to the traders/retailers, processors, restaurants and consumers at a mean farm gate price of N482.7/Kg. Result showed that there was no significant difference in decision making across gender, but there was a significant (P<0.01) difference in income among male and female fish farmers. Furthermore, probit analysis showed that age and land ownership by lease was found to significantly influence access to credit and the relationship is negative. Result from logit regression showed that age, education and household size significantly influenced consumer's preference to cultured fish. It was recommended that female fish farmers especially should be encouraged to participate more cooperative societies for increased access to inputs including loans.