Challenges of Artisanal Fishing and Livelihood in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Fishing is one of the major economic activities and livelihood among communities. This marketing is attracting people on daily basis due to numerous benefits attached to it. This research examines the challenges affecting the artisans in the fishing business at Geidam local government area, Yobe state. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 artisans in the fishing business at the study area, 76 men and 24 women. Simple percentage was used to analyze the data collected from the respondents. Findings revealed that the major challenges affecting the artisans include: thefts, road accident, tree storms, lack of modern storage facilities, and lack of capital. Government should therefore support the artisans in terms of modern storage facilities such as cold room at subsidized rate, also, deploy professional fishery officers to help and improve sustainable fishing practice in the study area. The officers could educate the fishermen about hygienic and effective practices, give training on issue of illicit use of gears, and educate the communities about the nutritional benefits on fish products.