Utilization of collapsible fish tank innovation among homestead fish farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study ascertained the utilization of collapsible fish tanks among homestead fish farmers in Osun State of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data on fish farmers’ awareness, disposition, influencing/limiting factors and utilization of the fish tank innovation from 166 randomly selected respondents from the three agricultural zones in the State. Percentages and frequency counts were used to describe collected data. The hypothesis was tested using a t-test at 95% confidence level. Homestead fish farmers were aware (61.4%) and well-disposed to the innovation (50.6%). However, level of utilization was low (11.4%). Users were mainly influenced by the multipurpose use of the innovation (mean = 2.0) and movability (mean = 1.68), while non-users were constrained by knowledge (mean = 1.24) and demographic access (mean = 1.09). There was a significant difference (t = 3.556, P ≤ 0.05) in the utilization of the innovation between members and non-member of fish farmers’ associations. Fish industry stakeholders should organize more trainings/workshops and provide more sales outlets for improved access and enhanced utilization of the innovation.