TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page – – – – – – – i
Approval Page – – – – – – ii
Certification Page – – – – – – iii
Dedication – – – – – – iv
Acknowledgements – – – – – – v
Table of Contents – – – – – – vi
List of Figures – – – – – – – ix
List of Tables – – – – – – x
Abstract – – – – – – – xi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION – – – 1
Background of the study – – – 1
Statement of the problem – – – 7
Purpose of the study – – – – – 8
Research questions – – – – 9
Significance of the study – – – – 9
Scope of the study – – – – – 10
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW – – 11
Conceptual framework – – – 11
Concept of information needs – – – 11
Artisanal fishermen: An Overview of
their Demographic Characteristics – – 15
Importance of artisanal fishery sector in Nigeria – – – 21
Information needs of artisanal fishermen – – – – 24
Methods of information dissemination to artisanal fishermen- – 29
Public library role in extension services to artisanal fishermen – 33
Challenges associated with agricultural information dissemination to artisanal fishermen – – – – – – – – 41
Strategies for enhancing dissemination of agricultural information to artisanal fishermen- – – – – – 44
Review of empirical studies – – – 49
Summary of literature review – – – – 54
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS – – – – 56
Research design – – – – 56
Area of the study – – – – – 56
Population of the study – – – – 57
Sample and sampling techniques – – 57
Instruments for data collection – – – 58
Validation of the instruments – – – 59
Method of data collection – – – – 59
Method of data analysis – – – – 60
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF DATA – 62
Findings of the study – – – – – – 63
Summary of the major findings – – 79
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION – – – – 82
Discussion of the findings – – – – – 82
Demographic characteristics of artisanal fishermen in Benue State – – – – – – – – – – – – 82
Information needs of artisanal fishermen in Benue State 84
Methods through which information is disseminated to artisanal fishermen Benue State- – – – – – – 89
Roles of public library in extension services to artisanal fishermen in the study area – – – – – – 90
Challenges associated with agriculture information dissemination to artisanal fishermen in the study area – 91
Strategies for enhancing information dissemination to artisanal fishermen – – – – – – – – – – – – 92
Implications of this study – – – 93
Recommendations – – – – – – 95
Limitations of the study – – – – – 97
Suggestions for further research- – – – – – 97
Conclusion – – – – – 98
References – – – – – – – 100
Appendix 1 – – – – – – 110
Appendix 2 – – – – – – 116
Appendix 3 – – – – – 120
Appendix 4 – – – – – – – 122
Appendix 5 – – – – – – 123
Appendix 6 – – – – – – – – 124
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig1. Pie chart showing sex distribution of artisanal
fishermen in Benue State – – 65
Fig2. Bar chart showing age group distribution of artisanal
fishermen in Benue State – – 66
Fig3. Pie showing occupational specialization of artisanal
fishermen in Benue State – 67
Fig4. Bar chart showing the fishing experience of artisanal
fishermen in Benue State – 68
Fig5. Pie chart showing the educational background of
artisanal fishermen – – – 69
LIST OF TABLES
Table1. Distribution of questionnaires among fishermen, public
libraries/extension workers and organization of interview and focus group
discussion in three local government areas of the study – – – – – – – – –
62
Table2. Percentage distribution of demographic characteristics
of artisanal fishermen in Benue state 64
Table3.Percentageresponses
on the information need of artisanal fishermen in Benue State 70
Table4. Responses on methods through whch information are disseminated to artisanal fishermen in Benue state – – – 72
Table5.Mean responses of theRoles of public libraries in extension services to artisanal fishermen state in Benue- – – 74
Table6. Mean responses on theChallenges associated with agricultural information dissemination to artisanal fishermen in Benue State 76
Table7. Mean responses on theStrategies for enhancing information dissemination to artisanal fishermen in Benue state 78
ABSTRACT
This work investigated
information needs and information dissemination to artisanal fishermen in
selected communities in three local Government areas of Benue State. Six (6)
research questions guided the study. The work sought
to find out the demographic characteristic of artisanal fishermen, their information
needs, methods of information dissemination, the roles of public libraries in
extension services, challenges associated with agricultural information
dissemination and strategies for enhancing agricultural information
dissemination to artisanal fishermen in Benue state. Descriptive survey
design was used and the sample size of
198 fishermen out of
the total population of 391 was selected. The instruments of the study
were questionnaires which have (94) ninety-four items, structured
interview and focus group discussion used based on
the questionnaire.These instruments were used to embraced categories of
artisanal fishermen. Descriptive statistics method such as
frequencies, simple percentages and mean (x̅) were used to
analyze the data. These information were presented in tables,
bar and pie charts for clarification. The study reveals that both sex engaged in the artisanal industry in the state, however, males
were the dominant group. Also, a little proportion of artisanal
fishermen (34%) had western
education
that cut across all levels.The fishing industry
is dominated by young energetic adults who are in the middle
ages. The major methods of information to artisanal fishermen
include traditional and modern sources like traditional
fishing festivals, community fishing competitions, radio and cell
phone. Results also show that, the information
needs of fishermen in Benue state are mostly
occupationally directed, such as
effects of obnoxious fishing practices, conflict resolution, fish processing,
storage and preservation. Public libraries have not done much in supporting
extension workers in disseminating
information to artisanal fishermen. However, they provide agricultural journals, books, fisheries magazines and
pamphlets that are expected to aid extension
services to artisanal fishermen.The challenges of
disseminating information to artisanal fishermen were acute shortage
of librarians/extension workers and lack of linkage between public libraries
and extension workers. It was recommended that more librarians and extension
workers be recruited and there should be a linkage between
librarians and extension workers.Conclusively, the information needs and information dissemination of artisanal fishermen in the
study area are not well met and this resulted to low productivity. Therefore, the
dissemination of adequate, relevant and current information to artisanal
fishermen will increase fish production rate in the state.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Information is the bedrock of every
occupation and derives its greatest worth in sharing for smooth and effective
operation and success of the occupation. In the Agricultural sector, every
farmer needs information to catch up with the cultural and technological
advancement in the 21st century. Oladele (2006) advanced that
information is vital for increasing production. It also serves as impetus for
sharing experiences, best practices, sources of financial aids and new markets.
In addition, Aina, Kaniki and Ojiambo (1995) advocate that, information has a
vital role to play in improving and sustaining agricultural production of any
nation. Agricultural as the predominant
occupation of rural communities seems to be witnessing its worst performance in
recent times, due to lack of information. In confirmative with the above,
Gholamreza, Babu and Asenso (2010) advance that despite the wide range of
reforms initiative in Agricultural sector in India in the last decades, access
to quality of information provided to marginalized and poor farmers is uneven. With
access to information a farmer may perhaps, be lifted from the state of
ignorance, illiteracy and poverty to a state of enlightenment, prosperity,
literacy and high productivity. Therefore, relevant information acquired and
utilized by artisanal fishermen may enable them to increase their perception,
expand their horizons, enhance competence, enlarge their sense of perspective
and above all, increase their production rate.
Artisanal fishery as one of the
subsector of agriculture is carried out in coastal states and inland waters of
Nigeria. In essence, Nigeria’s inland water bodies are primarily utilized for
fishing by artisanal fishermen who supply fish for domestic consumption. They
are primarily illiterate people, young and old between the ages of 10-60years
in rural communities with weight of fishing experiences and have little or no
basic education. In addition, World Fish (2000) maintains that, artisanal
fishermen are characterized by labour intensive, low productivity, low income,
low technology and lack of skillful techniques. They also make use of fishing
nets of various sizes, hooks and lines, dugout canoes, boats and above all have
access to little information which in most cases is not so relevant.
Artisanal fishermen seems to be one of
the most disadvantaged and isolated groups in Nigeria due to the nature of the
fishing communities terrains where there are no good roads, and access to basic
amenities such as electricity, pipe borne water, hospitals and schools is a bit
difficult. Occupationally, artisanal fishermen lack funds that will help them
afford mechanized and non-mechanized fishing crafts, spare parts and fishing
gears. More so, Annune (1993) advanced that lack fishermen well organized and
viable cooperatives that could attract government attention for better
assistance and a reliable fish transportation system, such as refrigerated
trucks, for movement of their products to distribution centers for marketing.
They also lack education and training. Abdel-malek (1982) quoted in Annune (2000) asserts that training
on how to use improved fishing equipment, smoke drying and fumigation of fish
stores to avoid infestation, fish markets with adequate storage facilities and
sanitary conditions are essential to forestall post harvest losses. Above all,
low level of information accessible to artisanal fishermen may hinder their
production rate, since information is the key for effective functioning of the
artisanal fishery sector.
In artisanal fishery sector both traditional,
printed and non- printed materials may be used to access and disseminate
information. Traditionally, artisanal fishermen get information by word of
mouth, ceremonies, town criers, village meetings, church meetings. For
instance, Otolo (2009) reveals that, people in the Isoko riverine area of Delta
state rely heavily on town criers, community meetings, friends, relations,
church meetings, village meetings, conventions and personal experience. In
addition, society has diverse modern methods of passing information to
artisanal fishermen, such as pamphlets, journals, books, radio, television,
cell phone, leaflets, bulletin, and pamphlets to facilitate information
dissemination. Beare and Rushoke (2001) advanced other means of disseminating
information such as monthly bulletin, community radio broadcasting and mobile
cell phone. In addition, Njoku (2003) emphasized the use of radio, television,
library and mobile phones within their rural communities.
With the aforementioned methods, information
dissemination and accessibility has reduced the world to a global village.
However, it seems the artisanal fishery sector in general and Benue
state in particular is still confronted with challenges. This may be due to the
fact that the artisanal fishermen are predominantly non-literate, more
accustomed to oral tradition and can better relate to information exchange in the
way they understand. Also, it is observed that the little information
accessible by artisanal fishermen is disseminated through foreign language in
radio, which has little or no impact on their lives. To be precise, the
information disseminated to artisanal fishing communities is in printed or non
printed media in English language. This may hinder effective utilization by the
artisanal fishermen where most of them cannot read nor understand English.
In spite of this, there
seem to be different ways of passing information to artisanal fishermen, such
as personal contact, training and visitation, group discussion, packaging and
repackaging method. In agreement with the above, Shibanda (1999) advances that interpersonal
methods are the popular sources of information in fish marketing. In addition,
Banjo (2008) emphasizes the use of oral medium such as discussion forum,
listening, viewing sessions and drama. Furthermore, Ibeanu (2008) advocated the
use of workshop, periodic report, newsletter, monographs, websites and data
bases to disseminate information to rural communities. Apart from the above,
information agents may reach out to artisanal fishermen through organization of
workshops in local dialect, use of radio to run fisheries programmes in their
local language, holding discussion classes, creating awareness of new innovations
and visitation to fishing communities to have personal contact with them
through an interpreter.
Despite the various
ways of passing information to artisanal fishermen, there seems to be low
production rate in fishing industry generally and Benue
state in particular, which may likely be as a result of inadequate provision of
information. Ugboma (2010) emphasizes that access to information is very
essential for increased productivity by fishermen. Newman (1979) quoted in
Omekwu (2001) emphasizes that poor information accessibility is responsible for
reduction of agricultural knowledge, productivity and a general problem of poor
agricultural performances in Africa, Asia, and South America. Yet, Aluko (1997)
opines that the status and power of a nation by the 21st century
will be partly determined by information at its disposal and recognition of the
importance of information to the development of the societies. The ability to
acquire and use information is fundamental to artisanal fishermen in boosting
fish production and maintaining an adequate supply to the nation. Therefore,
artisanal fishermen need constant information to address their areas of need
and as well improve on fish production.
Information need in this context is the desire
to acquire new knowledge or facts about something which is considered as
essential and worth having. Gholamreza and Nasir (2005) quoted in Dooga (2010)
stated that, information need is purposive in nature and is a consequence of
behaviour to satisfy some goals. In the same vein, Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia (2010) opines that information need is an individual or group’s
desire to locate and obtain information to satisfy a conscious or unconscious
need. It maintains that information and needs are inseparable; in that need and
interests call forth information.
Therefore,
information needs of artisanal fishermen revolve around their socio economic
activities such as how to have access to
advanced fishing tools, danger of harmful fishing practices, marketing strategies,
the issue of middlemen and where and how to obtain loan. Specifically, Fagade (1992) advances that
fishermen need information on modern ways of fishing, the danger of using small
mesh nets of various sizes which catch undersized fish, modern ways of processing
and preservation, the effects of using poison, explosives and plant extracts to
catch fish and other aquatic organisms and how to prevent middlemen
exploitation. These needs may be best solved using different methods in
disseminating timely, accurate and relevant information to artisanal fisheries
sector. In essence, sources such as public libraries, extension services, oral
communication, town criers, and mass media like radio and television programs,
posters, newspapers and other relevant printed materials may be primary
channels of information dissemination to artisanal fishermen. All these methods
may be realistic through the use of information agents.
Information
agents are channels developed to ensure that, information is effectively
disseminated to rural communities to enable them improve on their agricultural
production. Therefore in this study, information agents such as public library
and extension workers are considered. Public library and extension workers are
primarily responsible for acquiring and organizing printed/non printed
resources, and then extending this information to artisanal fishermen. That is,
public libraries are concerned with the provision of information to all members
of the public, regardless of their status, while extension workers are to
disseminate appropriate information to farmers, in this case, artisanal
fishermen. However, Aina (2010) asserts that the use of librarians in the
dissemination of information to farmers has always been mooted. He emphasizes
that this is not surprising given the fact that the function of extension
workers is akin to that of a public librarian. Since the role of extension
workers is similar to that of public libraries there should be collaboration
between them to ensure effective information dissemination to farmers in
general and artisanal fishermen in particular.
Similarly, (Oladele, 2006) agree that
the problem of farmers is lack of access to agricultural information and that
even with the advent of information technologies, which have succeeded in
eliminating bottlenecks in information dissemination; constraints to access to
information are still a real experience. Other challenges that are likely to be
associated with information dissemination to artisanal fishermen are lack of
libraries, illiteracy, shortage of extension workers, and language barrier.
These may greatly inhibit fish production rate in Nigeria and Benue state in
particular.
Benue
state was created on the 3rd of February 1976 out of the old
Benue-Plateau state. The state has 23 local government areas and out of these,
Guma, Katsina Ala and Makurdi were selected with their major fishing communities
comprising of Ugee-Mbabai, Abinsi, Mngban-Ngun, Ber-Awuna, Akata, Akututu,
Northbank, Fiidi, and Wadata. The major ethnic groups in Benue State
are: the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. These are predominantly peasant farmers who
also engage in fishing activities. The bulk of the people live in rural communities
where access to basic amenities is difficult. In spite of these, the state is
blessed with a vast expanse of inland water resources in terms of rivers with
numerous tributaries, lakes, natural ponds, swampy areas and flood plains that
call for fishing. Fishing is mostly year round and is carried out by artisanal
fishermen who walk along the river banks of these tributaries using their local
tools to catch fish (Agishi and Annune, 1995). Like artisanal fishermen from
other parts of Nigeria,
they may lack relevant information to improve on their production for effective
fish supply to the State.
INFORMATION NEEDS AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION TO ARTISANAL FISHERMEN IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BENUE STATE
