PRESENT STATUS OF FISH POND MANAGEMENT IN ARGUNGU METROPOLIS, KEBBI STATE

Abstract

The survey was carried out to assess the level of fish farming in Argungu metropolis. A total of 17 questionnaires equal to the number of farms in the study area were administered which include; Galadima Ward (4), Dikko ward (2), Kokani north (3), Kokani south (3), Gwazange ward (5). The result of the investigation revealed that out of 17 farms operating in the study area, only two were operated by the Government, while the remaining 15 were owned and operated by individuals which were found to be predominantly males (100%). Majority of the rearing facilities used by respondents were made of concrete tanks (70.59%) which were mostly purchased (52.94%). Only three (3) species of fish were cultured in the study area with Clarias being the highest (76.47) and Tilapia the least (5.88%). The study found the problems faced by the farmers to include inadequate technical knowledge (41.17), poaching (23.52), inadequate capital (17.64) and high price of feed (17.64).. It is recommended that unmarried men should venture into fish farming as a source of income and civil servants in the study area should invest in fish farming.