Published Article

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the strategic ways of developing fish farming and its economic value in Akwa Ibom State. In carrying out the study, descriptive survey design was adopted. The study was carried out in Akwa Ibom State. The targeted population for the study comprised of all fish farmers in Akwa Ibom State. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 fish farmers, which formed the sample size for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Developing Fish Farming and Its Economic Value in Akwa Ibom State Questionnaire (DFFEVAISQ)”. Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement, and evaluation in order to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness, and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.88, and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical technique such descriptive statistics to answer research questions. The study showed that the highest percentage (30.83%) of the value of Fish Farming was recorded for “Employment Creation”. It also showed that the highest percentage (27.50%) of the strategic ways of developing fish farming was recorded for “Government Policy and Institutional Support”. On this basis the study concluded that strengthening the fish farming sector would enhance national income, reduce pressure on wild fisheries, and provide sustainable livelihoods to rural and urban communities. It also recommended that the government should provide subsidies for fish feed, fingerlings, and essential aquaculture materials to encourage large-scale fish farming and reduce production costs.