Abstract

This study examined the training needs of fish farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria with a view to determining the implications on effective management practices. Purposeful and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 120 from three local government areas with the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule Data collected were analyzed using Frequency counts, percentages, mean and Logistic Regression model. Results showed that the mean age of the respondents was approximately 38 years with an average household size of 6persons/household. Many of the respondents were new entrants into the fishing business. The mean monthly income was approximately N10000 while they earned about N72,000 approximately from other sources. Results of regression analysis showed that farming experience (wald=5.648; p≤0.05), monthly expenditure (wald=4.284; p≤0.01), income from other sources (wald=0.251; p≤0.02) and income from fish farming (wald=7.7; p≤0.005) were the significant variables that influenced training needs of farmers where about 75% of the farmers needed training in the routine management practices in fish production. The study established that most of the respondents need training for efficient fish management practices. It was recommended that extension workers assigned to the fishery sub-sector in the State should give immediate attention to the training of fish farmers since many of them are new entrants. This will help in increasing their efficiency in fish production.

Key Words: Training needs, Fish farming, Efficiency, Management routine, Regression