Original Research Article1 Original Research Article 2 Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization Patterns of the 3 Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue state, Nigeria. 4 5 6 Abstract

Original Research Article 1

Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization Patterns of the 2

Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue state, Nigeria. 3

4

5

Abstract 6

This study investigated the information sources dissemination and utilization patterns of the 7

Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue, Benue State. The descriptive survey design using 8

questionnaires and structured interview were adopted as instrument for data collection. 9

Population of study consisted of 391 with the determined sample size of 198 fishermen. 10

Frequency count, simple percentages and mean (x̅ ) were used to analyze the data. The study 11

revealed traditional sources of information dissemination as contact with colleagues, 12

information disseminated in market places and fishing festivals while modern sources of 13

information dissemination included radio, mobile phone use and newspapers. The perceived 14

roles of public library to extension services were revealed by the study as provision of current 15

and relevant journals, fisheries magazines, abstracts and summaries of their latest contents, 16

pamphlets and leaflets. Acute The shortage of public librarians, libraries and extension 17

workers, language barrier and lack of motivation were challenges associated with information 18

dissemination and / utilization by artisanal fishermen in Benue state. The study recommended 19

that effective sources of information dissemination should be employed as this will enhance 20

dissemination and utilization by artisanal fishermen and improve fish production rate in 21

Benue state. 22

Key words: Information, dissemination, Information utilization, Artisanal fishery sector, 23

Fishery. 24

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Introduction 30

The Artisanal Fishing as a subsector of agriculture has been part of human life. since the 31

beginning of human race and the need for disseminating fisheries information is probably 32

almost as old as artisanal fishing itself. Fish farming falls under the animal production sector 33

of agriculture which can also be described as aquaculture. Aquaculture is the farming of 34

aquatic organism like fish. Fishes are known source of protein and fish farming involves the 35

planned growth and cultivation of fishes in tanks or proper enclosures for harvesting as food 36

or commercial purpose. Economically, healthy fishes are fundamental to achieving not only 37

the restrained fish stocks but other accepted objectives for the fishery sector, such as 38

improved livelihoods, exports, fish food security and economic growth. Fishery development 39

in Nigeria is new even though there is evidence that a fishing company operated from the 40

coastal waters of Lagos long before 1915. (http://www.onlinenigeria.com/agriculture) 41

However, deliberate effort at developing the countries fisheries can be said to date back to the 42

Second World War, when because of naval blockades of the high seas, the then colonial 43

administration decided to develop the country’s local resources, including fisheries (Arara 44

Nigeria Enterprises(2010) A fisheries organization was then established in 1941 as a fisheries 45

development branch of the agricultural department of the colonial office and a senior 46

agriculture officer was appointed to conduct a survey of the industry and its possibilities. 47

Anjus at http://www.ehow.com/facts,5467782-history-fish-farming-nigeriaThe headquarters 48

was then sited in Lagos the then capital of Nigeria. 49

(skoola.com/lecturepage.php?id=580cid=18). Establishment of Fisheries Companies by the 50

government or individuals is usually for economic purposes. For some people, it is source of 51

daily income and a means of livelihood. These groups of fishermen are called artisanal 52

fisheries which sometimes used interchangeably with small scale fishery. Demuynck (1994) 53

cited in Steve Evans (2011) provided some overview of the general characteristics of 54

artisanal fisheries as being labour intensive, involving low capital input, and little technology 55

and marketing and distribution are handled by non-fishing intermediaries. He also said that 56

artisana fishering is in the local area. They have low status occupation, their communities 57

suffer from poor community infrastructure, poor living conditions and the risk aspect is 58

Comment [DO1]:

always present. Dissemination and utilizationTherefore, there is need to disseminate 59

adequate and necessary information to artisanal fishermen in terms of sustaining, improving, 60

drying, preserving, marketing and distributing their fish and other necessary information to 61

develop better their business. Dissemination and utilization of information to artisanal fishery 62

sector, is perhaps the bedrock for the improvement of fish production rate. In essence, 63

information is power, and when acquired, disseminated and utilized can help to increase fish 64

production rate in the the society society. (Oladale, 2006 and Ugboma, 2011) 65

However, dissemination of information can only be realistic through the use of 66

information sources. Information sources are channels through which information is 67

disseminated to the targeted group. Wilson (2000) advocates that, the quality of sources of 68

information available to users is important because relevant sources are most likely to beget 69

useful information. 70

Information sources can be effectively utilized if they provide relevant, useful, specific 71

and accurate information that could help in solving the occupational challenges of artisanal 72

fishermen. Information sources in this study are channels through which information is 73

disseminated to the targeted group Statrasts (2004) advocates that, information source is to an 74

institution or individual that a means of creating or bringing creates or brings about a 75

message that will be useful in tackling occupational challenges. Information as one of the 76

major challenges to artisanal fisheries sector is disseminated in printed and non printed media 77

which in most cases hinder its effective utilization, since majority of the artisanal fishermen 78

cannot read nor understand English language very well (Annune, 2012). However, Agwu 79

(2000) and Philip and Udoh (2011) advanced that, farmers rely on a variety of sources of 80

information, for example, the fisher folks in Cross River estuaries are always listening to 81

“The Radio farmer” a local Radio programme in which most rural workers use as an effective 82

Comment [DO2]:

source of information dissemination. Otolo (2009) and Annune (2012) revealed that people in 83

the Isoko riverine area of Delta state rely heavily on town criers, community meetings, 84

friends, relations, church meetings, village meetings, conventions and personal experience, 85

word of mouth and ceremonies for information In addition, Alfred and Fagbenro, (2006) 86

point out sources such as radio, television and extension agents as the most effective sources 87

of information dissemination. In addition, Alfred and Fagbenro, (2008) point out sources 88

such as radio, television and extension agents as the most effective sources of information 89

dissemination. T They also said that Tthe effectiveness of sources of disseminating 90

information to artisanal fisheries sector depends largely on assistance of information agencies 91

such as libraries, extension agents, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) and mass 92

media. 93

Furthermore, Shibande (1999) points out other sources of disseminating information 94

to artisanal fishermen such as training centers, local meetings, extension agents, agricultural 95

research stations, film shows, radio, newspapers, neighbours, friends, government officials 96

and cooperative societies. Also, library as one of the major sources of information has an 97

enormous role in the dissemination of information. However, Ngulube, cited in Tire, (2006) 98

adovates that library movement in Africa is generally weak due to the fact that librarians 99

often neglect the needs of the rural communities in their information dissemination drive, 100

Most of the previous studies carried out did not recognized library as one of the sources of 101

information to artisanal fishermen. Therefore utilization of this source as a means of 102

information dissemination is not noticed among fishing communities. 103

Oladele (2006) agreed that constraints to access to information are still a real experience. 104

Omoyeni, Bernard and Yisa (2004) opined that extension agents who do not understand the 105

local language/dialect of the people will not be able to communicate with the local folks 106

without some kind of interpretation which is sometimes distorted from the original version. 107

Artisanal fishermen may not have access to certain sources such as radio and television 108

through which some of the extension information is disseminated. This is emphasized by 109

Ifejika, Ayande, Nwabeze and Asadua (2007) who reported the low level of fisheries 110

information broadcast in radio programs around the Kanji Lake. In otherwords Dissemination 111

of information to fishing communities is not so reliable; therefore the fishermen turn to rely 112

mostly on the indigenous knowledge of fishing to supply fish to the public. The World Bank 113

group (2010) agreed that even if information reaches the public, it is difficult to ensure that 114

they will listen to it, understand and take appropriate actions. Despite these, public 115

library/extension workers may reach out to artisanal fishermen through organization of 116

workshops in local dialect, holding discussion classes, creating awareness of new innovations 117

and having personal contact with them through an interpreter. 118

Specifically Adeokun et al (2006) investigated factors influencing adoption of 119

fisheries innovation by artisanal fishermen in coastal areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Research 120

design employed was survey design. Data were obtained from one hundred and twenty 121

fishermen using simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used for the study was 122

structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as simple percentages and means 123

were used. The study revealed that extension workers use Agricultural Development 124

Programs to disseminate information to fishermen. However, not all villages have extension 125

services. Conclusively, the study revealed that fishermen were aware of the extension 126

agencies in their village but not all innovation disseminated were adopted. 127

On the other hand, Njoku (2003) studied the information needs and information 128

dissemination seeking behavior of fishermen in Lagos State, Nigeria. Survey design was 129

adopted and instrument for data collection were: observation, questionnaires supported with 130

interviews and examination of relevant records. Population of study was 500 fishermen and 131

simple percentage was used to analyze the data. The study reviewed the major sources of 132

information dissemination as colleagues, friends, neighbors and relatives. It concluded that 133

the means and sources of information seeking found in fishermen are no longer adequate to 134

meet advanced technology in the field and this can be detrimental to the profession. 135

Therefore, the use of radio, television, library and mobile phones within their rural fishing 136

communities was recommended. 137

In another study, Philip and Udoh (2011) carried out a study on information provision and 138

dissemination patterns among migrants’ fisher folks in Cross River estuary, Nigeria. Survey 139

design was used for the study. Population of the study consisted of artisanal fisher folks 140

scattered in 68 fishing villages. Random sampling was used for the selection of fisher folks. 141

Instruments for data collection were semi-structured questionnaire and interview. Descriptive 142

statistics such as simple percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the 143

preferred information channels to fishermen as radio and extension agents. The researchers 144

articulated the reasons for preferring these information sources as radio accessibility, 145

reliability and affordability while the strength of extension agents as information source lies 146

in their ability to make information clear and also are best suited to offer knowledge. Some 147

fishing community areas of Nigeria has been studied, but these local government areas have 148

not benefited from such studies 149

Valentina, S.; Arianna. R.; Giulia, C.; Fabio, R. and Laura, C. (2013) studied Plants used in artisanal 150

fisheries on the Western Mediterranean Coastsof Italy. The aims were to record traditional 151

knowledge on plants used in fishery in these regions and to define selection criteria for plant species 152

used in artisanal fisheries, considering ecology and intrinsic properties of plants, and to discuss the 153

pattern of diffusion of shared uses in these areas. 154

A total of 58 semi-structured interviews were carried out in Liguria, Latium, 155

Campania and Sicily (Italy). Information on plant uses related to fisheries were 156

collected and analyzed through a chi-square residual analysis and the 157

correspondence analysis in relation to habitat, life form and chorology. 158

A total of 60 plants were discussed as being utilized in the fisheries of the Western 159

Italian Mediterranean coastal regions, with 141 different uses mentioned. Of these 160

141 different uses, 32 are shared among different localities. In some uses, species 161

are selected for their features (e.g., woody), or habitat (e.g., riverine), etc. The 162

majority of uses were found to be obsolete (42%) and interviews show that traditional 163

fishery knowledge is in decline. There are several reasons for this, such as climatic 164

change, costs and reduction of fish stocks, 165

Information agencies/agents are channels developed to ensure that, information is effectively 166

disseminated to farmers to enable them improve on their agricultural production. However, 167

Newman (1979) quoted in Omekwu (2001) emphasizes that poor information dissemination 168

is responsible for reduction of agricultural knowledge, productivity and a general problem of 169

poor agricultural performances in Africa, Asia, and South America. On the contrary, 170

Aninweze (2004) stated that, lack of awareness on the part of rural dwellers, the negligence 171

of government and its agencies, the sentimental attachment of rural dwellers to their culture 172

make it difficult to disseminate information to them. Philips and Udoh (2011) assert that, the 173

means of disseminating these basic fisheries information in rural, remote and isolated areas 174

where these fisher folk reside, often fail to achieve significant impact due to the inaccessible 175

fishing settlements and lack of resources to actualize same. This shows the minimal extension 176

services to the fisher folks. The ability to acquire and utilized information is fundamental to 177

artisanal fishermen in boosting fish production and maintaining an adequate supply to the 178

nation in general and Benue state in particular. 179

Statement of the Problem 180

Artisanal fisheries play a crucial role to national economy and well being in terms of 181

provision of employment, food, a source of protein for the local populace and the country in 182

general and income for rural dwellers. Central Bank on Nigeria (CBN, 2000) maintains that 183

in previous years artisanal fisheries played a leading role in fish production in Nigeria, 184

contributing an average of 84.2% of the total domestic output. However, the production rate 185

of artisanal fishermen in recent times has been generally inadequate. as observed by 186

researchers from various markets found in Benue state. Due to this Ibeun, (2006) advocated 187

that a sustainable fisheries policy was formulated in order to reduce the deficit in fish 188

production. The rate of low production may be due to climate change. This may perhaps be as 189

a result of lack of information dissemination and / utilization by artisanal fishermen.It is 190

against this background that, researchers are set to investigate the perceived information 191

dissemination and utilization by artisanal fishery sector in Benue state. The fishermen 192

require information that will enable them adjust to change in climate. It is not clear whether 193

artisanal fishermen in Benue State, Nigeria have access to the needed information. 194

195

196

REVIEWER’S COMMENTS 197

There seem to a contradiction in the statement of the problem. The writer said “the 198

production rate of artisanal fishermen in recent times has been generally inadequate as 199

observed by researchers from various markets found in Benue state”. On the contrary the 200

writer said “ this“this may perhaps be as a result of lack of information dissemination / 201

utilization by artisanal fishermen”. How do the researchers know that the production rate of 202

artisanal fishermen in recent times has been generally inadequate if they don’t have 203

satisfactory information? The reviewer argues that researchers can hardly make this type of 204

statement if it is not supported by empirical data or available information. The writer needs to 205

review the statement of the problem. Statement of the problem should represent a query of 206

the research topic under investigation. 207

Objectives of the study 208

The broad objective of the study was to find out information sources dissemination and 209

utilization patterns of artisanal fishery sector in Benue state. Specific objectives were to: 210

1. Identify sources of information available to artisanal fishermen in Benue state 211

2. Determine the perceived roles of public library in extension services to artisanal 212

fishermen in Benue state. 213

3. Ascertain the extent to which information disseminated is utilized by artisanal 214

fishermen in Benue state. 215

4. Identify constraints associated with effective information dissemination/utilization by 216

artisanal fishermen in Benue state. 217

5. Identify constraints associated with effective information dissemination/utilization by 218

artisanal fishermen in Benue State. 219

220

Suggest strategies for enhancing effective dissemination and / utilization of information by 221


223

224


Objective number 2 can be considered as a result of this study rather than objective. 226

The aim of this research is to investigate information sources dissemination and 227

utilization patterns and library can be considered as one of the sources of 228

dissemination and utilization. 229

230

The aim of this research is to investigate information sources dissemination and 231

utilization patterns of artisanal fishery sector in Benue state. Therefore, Objective 232

number 4 is not necessary. This objective can be a whole research topic and perhaps 233

given as one of the suggested areas for further research. 234

235

Research questions 236

The broad research question was an examination of the information sources dissemination and 237

utilization Patterns of the artisanal fishery sector in Benue state. However, the specific objectives 238

were as follows: 239

1. What are the information sources of artisanal fishermen in Benue state? 240

2. What are the perceived roles of public library in extension services to artisanal 241

fishermen in Benue state? 242

3. To what extent is information disseminated utilized by artisanal fishermen in Benue 243

state? 244

4. What are the constraints associated with effective dissemination/ utilization of 245

information by artisanal fishermen in Benue state? 246

5. What are the strategies for enhancing effective dissemination /utilization of 247

information by artisanal fishermen in Benue state? 248


There is no need for research question if research objective is provided. It can either 250

be research objective or research question. 251

252

Review of the related literature 253

Information dissemination is the spread of authentic news to artisanal fishermen in their 254

areas of need for proper decision making and societal well being. When information is 255

properly disseminated, it will bring about improvement and total transformation of the 256

organization. Wiki. answers (2010) advances that, dissemination is to spread something or 257

disburse it. Also, Adepoju (2001) and Robinson (2000) emphasize that, information 258

dissemination is the process of making news or theories widely circulated with the sole aim 259

of sowing widely. Information dissemination involves making references to people about 260

available current materials that may be of interest and value to clients and keeping these 261

interest profiles up to date. Dissemination of information to artisanal fishermen is achieved 262

through effective sources. 263

Generally, society has diverse modern sources of information to facilitate dissemination 264

such as pamphlets, journals, books, radio, television, cell phone, leaflets, bulletin, and 265

pamphlets (Beare and Rushoke, 2001). In artisanal fishery sector both traditional, printed and 266

non- printed materials are used to access and disseminate information. Otolo (2009) and 267

Annune (2012) revealed that, people in the Isoko riverine area of Delta state and artisanal 268

fishermen in Benue state rely heavily on town criers, community meetings, friends, relations, 269

church meetings, village meetings, conventions and personal experience, word of mouth and 270

ceremonies for information. Furthermore, Shibande (1999) points out other sources of 271

disseminating information to artisanal fishermen such as training centers, local meetings, 272

extension agents, agricultural research stations, film shows, radio, newspapers, neighbours, 273

friends, government officials and cooperative societies. Also, library as one of the major 274

sources of information has an enormous role in the dissemination of information however, 275

Ngulube, (2000) quoted by Tire, (2006) that, library movement in Africa is generally weak 276

due to the fact that, librarians often neglect the needs of the rural communities in their 277

information dissemination drive, even though, majority of the population are found in these 278

areas. Most of the previous studies carried out did not recognized library as one of the 279

sources of information to artisanal fishermen. Therefore utilization of this source as a means 280

of information dissemination is not noticed among fishing communities. 281

Effective utilization of sources of information is influenced by the level of awareness, 282

literacy, availability, accessibility and affordability of these sources. Otolo (2006) advanced 283

the least sources of information to rural farmers as television, radio and libraries based on 284

poor consultation as a result of lack of availability of these sources in rural areas. However, 285

Utor and Utor (2004) and Ekong and Udoka (2005) admitted that radio/TV programmes are 286

the most preferred sources of information to farmers most especially if translated in local 287

languages. Majority of the fishermen are illiterate and semi literate people therefore, need to 288

be communicated in the language that they can understand. This is achievable through 289

information agents and agencies such as research institutes, agricultural universities/colleges 290

and non-governmental organizations that generate innovations on improved farm practices or 291

technologies. However, public library and extension workers are considered as the agents for 292

dissemination of information to artisanal fishermen in Benue state. Ghost (2005) sees public 293

library as access door opened to the public and it is generally safe, uniquely comfortable for 294

all local communities to spend time. 295

Despite this, Kolawole and Abduwalhab (2006) emphasized that, it is necessary for 296

public libraries to make available and accessible information known to the entire community, 297

thus, bringing the need for it to undertake extension services. Oklah (1987) pin pointed that, 298

the value of library extension services came with the consideration of the ways the public 299

library can perform its functions effectively. One of these functions is to reach out to all 300

members of the community with library services. Ajibero (1985) quoted in Annune (2012) 301

advanced that, the onus of getting information down to the grassroots lies with public 302

libraries more than any other group. However, Aina (2006) posited that; there is no evidence 303

to show that libraries are substantially involved either directly or indirectly in the provision of 304

information to extension workers to share in the dissemination of information to farmers in 305

Africa. This implies that, extension workers have little or no linkage with public libraries, 306

therefore, may make constant efforts to source for information either from journals, 307

conferences, workshops, books and Internet to enhance the dissemination to artisanal 308

fishermen. 309

Public libraries are expected to provide an important link between research findings, 310

extension workers and artisanal fishermen. Aina (2006) advocated that, many farmers were 311

not supplied with the required information by extension workers in Africa. This may be as a 312

result of lack of collaboration between public library and extension workers in disseminating 313

information to rural fishing communities. Therefore, for extension workers to make an 314

immediate impact on the socio-economic livelihood of artisanal fishermen, it must make 315

concerted efforts to disseminate information on the specific areas of their needs (Akpabio and 316

Ekanem 2008). Oladele (2006) agreed that, constraints to access to information are still a real 317

experience. Omoyeni, Bernard and Yisa (2004) opined that, extension agents who do not 318

understand the local language/ dialect of the people will not be able to communicate with the 319

local folks without some kind of interpretation which is sometimes distorted from the 320

original version. Artisanal fishermen may not have access to certain sources such as radio and 321

television through which some of the extension information is disseminated. Ifejika, Ayande, 322

Nwabeze and Asadua (2007) reported the low level of fisheries information broadcast in 323

radio programs around the Kanji Lake. Dissemination of information to fishing communities 324

is not so reliable therefore, the fishermen turn to rely mostly on the indigenous knowledge of 325

fishing to supply fish to the public. The World Bank group (2010) agreed that, even if 326

information reaches the public, it is difficult to ensure that they will listen to it, understand 327

and take appropriate actions. Despite these, Public library/extension workers may reach out to 328

artisanal fishermen through organization of workshops in local dialect, holding discussion 329

classes, creating awareness of new innovations and having personal contact with them 330

through an interpreter. 331

Empirically, Adeokun et al (2006) investigated factors influencing adoption of 332

fisheries innovation by artisanal fishermen in coastal areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Research 333

design employed was survey design. Data were obtained from one hundred and twenty 334

fishermen using simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used for the study was 335

structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as simple percentages and means 336

were used. The study revealed that, extension workers use agricultural Development 337

Programs to disseminate information to fishermen however, not all villages have extension 338

services. Conclusively, the study revealed that, fishermen were aware of the extension 339

agencies in their village but not all innovation disseminated were adopted. 340

Njoku (2003) studied the information needs and information dissemination seeking 341

behavior of fishermen in Lagos State, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted and instrument for 342

data collection were: observation, questionnaires supported with interviews and examination 343

of relevant records. Population of study was 500 fishermen and simple percentage was used 344

to analyze the data. The study reviewed the major sources of information dissemination as 345

colleagues, friends, neighbors and relatives. It concluded that, the means and sources of 346

information seeking found in fishermen are no longer adequate to meet advanced technology 347

in the field and this can be detrimental to the profession. Therefore, the use of radio, 348

television, library and mobile phones within their rural fishing communities was 349

recommended. 350

Philip and Udoh (2011) carried out a study on information provision and dissemination 351

patterns among migrants’ fisher folks in cross river estuary, Nigeria. Survey design was used 352

for the study. Population of the study consisted of artisanal fisher folks scattered in 68 fishing 353

villages. Random sampling was used for the selection of fisher folks. Instruments for data 354

collection were semi-structured questionnaire and interview descriptive statistics such as 355

simple percentages were used. The findings revealed the preferred information channels to 356

fishermen as radio and extension agents. The researchers articulated the reasons for 357

preferring these information sources as radio accessibility, reliability and affordability while 358

the strength of extension agents as information source lies in their ability to make information 359

clear and also are best suited to offer knowledge. 360

361


No need for separate heading of a literature review. Relevant previous works in this area can 363

be cited in the introduction and other relevant areas of the paper. 364

Methodology 365

The area of study is Benue State. Benue State is located in the north central zone of 366

Nigeria. It is located on longitude o7 '47 and '010o East. It is also in Latitude '256o and 367

'88o North and shares boundaries with five other states in the country namely: Nassarawa to 368

the North, Taraba to the East, Cross River to the South, Enugu to the South-West and Kogi to 369

the East. The State also shares boundary with the Republic of Cameroun on the South- East. 370

The descriptive survey design was used for this study. Population of the study consisted of 371

all the registered artisanal fishermen (What about unregistered ones?) in the study area 372

totalling 391 selected from Guma 137, Katsina-Ala 123 and Makurdi 131 local government 373

areas of Benue state. It is through the register of the union that the total population was 374

deduced. Most fishermen in Nigeria as observed in other artisanal jobs have an association or 375

union that caters for their interest and welfare. Individuals can fish to support their families, 376

this is not professionalised. A professional fisherman is often registered. The registered 377

members were used so that the population of the study can be known and definite. From the 378

registered population A a sample size of 198 was derived statistically as advanced by 379

Uzoagulu (1998) that the sample size of a finite population can be statistically determined 380

using Yaro Yamene formula of 381

( )21 eN

Nn

+= 382

Where n= sample size 383

N= the infinite population 384

e = the level of significance (which is 0.05) 385

1 = Unity (which is a constant) 386

Therefore, ( )205.03911

391

+=n 387

388

( )0025.03911

391

+= 389

390

9775.01

391

+= 391

392

n=197.7 which is approximately 198 393

Therefore the sample size = 198 394

Total population of the study = 391. 395

396

397

398

n = N _. 399

1+N(e)². In sampling, two techniques were used to select a sample. Purposive sampling 400

technique was used for selection of fishing communities while random sampling technique 401

was used to select the respondents for the study. 402

In sampling, two techniques were used to select a sample. Purposive sampling technique was 403

used for selection of fishing communities while random sampling technique was used to 404

select the respondents for the study. Instruments used Instruments used for data collection 405

were; questionnaires with twenty-eight (28) items, structured questions for interview and 406

focus group discussion (see Appendix A). thirty-seven (33) items, (Do you mean thirty-407

three?) and structured interview. Frequency counts, mean and simple percentages were 408

employed for data analysis. Responses ranked with percentage score of 50% and above and 409

mean value of 2.50 and above were accepted as positive decision levels. 410

Method of Data collection 411

The instruments used for data collection in this study were; questionnaire, structured 412

interview and focus group discussion. These instruments were designed based on the 413

objectives of the study. Questionnaire was administered to literate and semi-literate 414

fishermen, structured interview was granted to village heads and fishing coordinators and 415

then focus group discussion was conducted for illiterate fishermen. The questionnaire for data 416

collection titled: Questionnaire on Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization 417

Patterns of the Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue State, Nigeria (see Appendix A). Some of 418

these questions were constructed using (4) point scaling rate as strongly agree (SA), Agree 419

(A), Disagree (DA) and Strongly Disagree (SDA). Scores of 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively were 420

assigned to options above. So that any item that has a mean 2.5 and above is accepted to be 421

positive and below 2.5 is taken to low. The number 3 of the questionnaire addressed the first 422

objective of the study and respondents were expected to indicate Yes or No. Structured 423

interview was granted to one community head and one fishing coordinator in each local 424

government while focus group discussion of six artisanal fishermen per local government was 425

conducted with illiterate fishermen. All these were based on research questions that guided 426

the study (See Appendix A). 427

For data collection, the researchers trained and made use of field assistants to 428

administer questionnaires, grant interview and conduct focus group discussion to artisanal 429

fishermen. The field assistants were drawn from each of the 3 fishing communities in the 3 430

local government area of the study. This is to take care of misunderstanding and 431

misrepresentation on language barriers. The three instruments mentioned above were used to 432

ensure that all the sampled fishermen identified in these areas were reached for proper data 433

collection. The structured interview and focus group discussion were conducted using the 434

same items from the questionnaire and translated into their local language, for example Tiv 435

language. One of the researchers and field assistants guided the group discussion of 6 436

artisanal fishermen using half an hour. 437

438

Descriptive analysis of data: 439

Study Findings/ Result 440

Data was collected using questionnaire which was administered to literate and semi-literate 441

fishermen from the 3 local government areas studied. The first aspect of the questionnaire 442

was on the sources through which they gain information for fishing. This was collected from 443

171 fishermen (respondents) as presented in the Table 1 below. 444

Table 1: Sources of information disseminated to artisanal fishermen in Benue state. 445

S/N Sources of information to fishermen.

yes Percentage (%)

No Percentage (%)

Ranking.

1. Public libraries 38 22.2 133 77.8 8th 2. Extension workers 69 40.4 I02 59.6 6th 3. Colleagues 146 85.4 25 14.6 1st 4. Radio 105 61.4 66 38.6 4th 5. Newspapers 98 57.3 66 38.6 5th 6. Mobile phones 105 61.4 66 38.6 4th 7 fishing festivals 124 80.7 47 27.5 2nd 8 Television 41 24.0 130 76.0 7th 9. Market place 107 62.6 64 37.4 3th

From Table 1, items were ranked accordingly, from the most effective to the least sources of 446

information dissemination. The “YES” categories with 50% and above ranged from item 3 447

colleagues (85. 4%) ranked 1st, Item 7, fishing festivals (80.7%) ranked 2nd , Item 9, market 448

places (62.6%) ranked 3rd, item 4 and 6 ranked 4th with radio (61.4%) and mobile phones 449

(61.4%) respectfully. Item5, Newspapers (57.3%) ranked 5th, Item 2, extension workers 450

(40.4) ranked 6th, item 8, television (24.0%) ranked 7th and item 1, libraries with the (22.2%) 451

ranked 8th. This implies that information is mostly disseminated to artisanal fishermen 452

through other sources rather than extension workers and libraries whose aim is to ensure that 453

information gets to the targeted group at the right time of need. 454

Summary of the interview of village heads and fishing coordinators and focus group 455

of the illiterate fishermen showed that they gain information for fishing through personal 456

experience, traditional fishing festivals, community fishing competitions, fishing 457

cooperatives, market places, and personal contacts. 458

459

Table 2: Perceived roles of public libraries in extension services to artisanal fishermen in Benue 460

state. 461

S/N Perceived roles of public libraries to extension workers.

SA A D SD MEAN (хххх)

DECISION

1. Provision of current and relevant journals for extension services to artisanal fishermen.

4 3 0 2 3.0 A

2. Provision of fisheries magazines to aid extension services for artisanal fishermen.

6 1 2 0 3.4 A

3. Provision of fisheries pamphlets to extension services for artisanal fishermen.

0 7 2 0 2.7 A

4. Provision of abstracts and summaries of its latest arrival to extension worker.

2 0 1 6 2.0 D

5. Public libraries help extension workers with printed materials translated in local languages.

0 3 0 6 1.6 D

Key: SA= Strongly agreed, A= Agreed, D= Disagreed, S= Strongly disagreed. 462

Table 2 shows the perceived roles of public libraries to extension services in Benue State. 463

From the results above, items with agreed mean scores of 2.5 and above were accepted. The 464

agreed categories included; provision of current and relevant journals (3.0), provision of 465

fisheries magazines (3.4), and provision of fisheries pamphlets (2.7), while items below the 466

bench mark of 2.5 were rejected such as provision of abstracts and summaries of its latest 467

arrivals (2) and helping extension workers with printed materials translated in local languages 468

(1.6). This implies that public libraries play little role in information dissemination to 469

artisanal fishermen since most information are provided but dumped in the library without 470

extension workers making judicial use of them. 471

Another aspect of the questionnaire was utilization of the information disseminated to the 472

fishermen as shown in Table 2 below. 473

Table 23: Extent to which information disseminated is utilized by artisanal fishermen in 474

Benue state. 475

S/N Extent to which information is utilized by artisanal fishermen

VHE HE LE NA Mean (x)

Decision level

1 Provision of available information facilitates access to market prices.

88 59 15 18 3.2 A

2 Through information disseminated artisanal fishermen can have access to modern fishing facilities.

65 43 42 30 2.9 A

3 Information disseminated enable artisanal fishermen to know and avoid the danger of overfishing.

87 52 33 8 3.2 A

4 Information disseminated prevents artisanal fishermen from using obnoxious fishing practices.

66 42 16 56 2.6 A

5 Information disseminated help artisanal fishermen to improve on their traditional skills of fishing.

64 63 12 41 2.8 A

6 Information disseminated enable artisanal fishermen to know the growing environmental deterioration and its damaging effects on fishing operation and seek for solution.

91 45 5 39 3.0 A

Key: VHE=Very high extent, HE=high extent, LE=Large extent, VLE=very less extent, A= 476

Accepted. 477

Table 23 above shows the very high extent to which information is utilized by artisanal 478

fishermen in Benue state. All the questions posed received very high mean scores showing 479

that fishermen in Benue state find fishery information very useful and timely for their fish 480

yields. The result of interview and focus group agreed with use of information on the above 481

options in Table 2 above. In addition, they used disseminated information to improve on 482

obnoxious fishing practices and conflicts resolution. This is because traditional methods of 483

fishing inherited from their forefathers destroy fish in discriminately without ensuring 484

sustainability. This affects production rate of the artisanal fishermen. 485

The result of problems the fishermen encounter in getting and using information is presented 486

in the Table 3 below. The identification of constraints to effective information dissemination 487

to fishermen is very useful for this research. We need to identify the constraints to be able to 488

dovetail into strategies that will alleviate the problems. 489

490

Table 3 4: Constraints associated with effective information dissemination/utilization by 491


S/N Constraints associated with information dissemination/utilization.

SA A D SD MEAN (х)

Decision

Level 1. Acute shortage of librarians/ extension

workers. 102 33 22 23 3.1 A

2. No linkage between public libraries and extension workers.

91 36 31 22 3.0 A

3. Lack of motivation to public librarians/extension workers

53 48 44 35 2.6 A

4. High cost of information materials. 36 21 56 67 2.1 R 5. Lack of rural libraries/information centers 74 32 21 53 2.7 A

6. Language barriers 53 88 29 10 3.0 A Key: S A= Strongly agreed, A= Agreed, D= Disagreed, S= Strongly disagreed, A=accepted 493

R= Reject 494

The Ttable 3 above shows the constraints associated with information 495

dissemination/utilization by artisanal fishermen. These results revealed that, items with 496

strongly agree and agree mean scores of 2.5 and above are accepted as challenges associated 497

with information dissemination to artisanal fishermen in Benue state. These include; acute 498

shortage of public librarians/extension workers (3.1), no linkage between public libraries and 499

extension workers (3.0), language barrier (3.0), lack of motivation to public 500

librarians/extension workers (2.6) and Lack of rural libraries/information centers (2.7). Only 501

item 4, high cost of information materials (2.1) with less mean scores of 2.5 was rejected. 502

High cost of information materials may have been rejected largely because majority of the 503

artisanal fishermen rely more on radio and mobile phone as the major vehicle for 504

disseminating information. In addition, the focus group agreed on the above problems and 505

stressed especially that they need information and even demonstration on modern ways of 506

fishery which can be gotten through other sources of information not only through traditional 507

means. 508

Therefore the strategies to enhance access and use of information are shown in Table 4 509

below. 510

Table 4 5: Strategies for enhancing sources, dissemination, and utilization of information by 511


S/N Strategies for enhancing information dissemination/utilization

SA A D SD MEAN Decision level

1. Recruitment of more librarians/ extension workers to disseminate information to artisanal fishermen.

116 42 29 23 3.4 A

2. Linkage between public libraries and extension workers.

88 59 15 18 3.2 A

3. Identifying the most effective information sources for use

91 45 5 39 3.0 A

4. Establishment of agricultural advisory board comprising of librarians and extension workers

65 43 42 30 2.7 A

5. Packaging and repackaging information to artisanal fishermen.

64 64 11 41 2.8 A

6. Establishment of rural libraries in fishing communities.

87 52 33 8 3.2 A

7. Encouraging the use of audiovisual materials by public librarians/extension workers.

53 81 34 22 3.2 A

Key: SA=Strongly agreed, A=Agreed, D= Disagreed, SD=Strongly, A=Accepted 513

This table presents the strategies for enhancing the information dissemination to artisanal 514

fishermen in Benue State. Items with the mean responses of 2.5 and above were accepted as 515

strategies for information dissemination to artisanal fishermen. Therefore, all respondents 516

agreed with all the items as strategies for enhancing information dissemination to artisanal 517

fishermen in Benue state. In addition to the above agreed strategies, the focus group were of 518

the opinion that translation of information materials in local dialects, conducting fisheries 519

programmes at least once in a week on radio and also creating awareness about the existence 520

and relevance of public libraries/extension workers. 521

522


Study Area? 524

The write failed to provide clear description of the study area. This is very important and can 525

be supported by accurate information on Latitudes and Longitudes. A Map of the area can be 526

provided as a figure if available. 527

What do you mean by this statement? “A sample size of 198 was derived statistically as 528

advanced by Uzoagulu (1998) that the sample size of a finite population can be statistically 529

determined using Yaro Yamene formula”. In you abstract also you stated that “Population of 530

study consisted of 391 with the determined sample size of 198 fishermen”. 531

Is 198 your study sample size? 532

Or is 198 a literature? because you are saying that it was derived statistically as advanced by 533

Uzoagulu (1998). 534

What is the difference between your study population of 391 and sample size of 198 535

fishermen? You need to clarify this properly in your paper because it is unhelpful to leave such 536

important things to the imagination of the reader rather than being explicit about them. 537

Note: Sample size in most cases is the same as the study population. 538

539

Query of Methodology: Why unregistered Fishermen were not interviewed? Since your 540

paper is investigating information Sources Dissemination and Utilization I fail to see the 541

reason for leaving out a particular population. Leaving them out means that you may want to 542

narrow your research title to focus only on information from registered Fishermen. In fact in 543

Artisanal Fishing Community there are as many unregistered Fishermen as Registered ones 544

and therefore constitute a major study population for information sources dissemination and 545

utilization. 546

547

The writer used Yaro Yamene formula of n = N _. 1+N(e)². However writer failed to 548

explain: 549

a. The meaning of the formula. I am not sure if this formula is written correctly. 550

b. Justification for using the formula in this research. Why not other formula? 551

c. The link of this formula to achieving the objective of this research 552

d. What the letters and numbers stand for? 553

e. How did you derive the formula? Step-by-step explanation needed. 554

f. What scientific/academic reference supporting this formula for this research? 555

g. What are some of the important relationships and assumptions between the variables 556

557

The relevance of formula n = N _. 1+N(e)², which is not properly defined and 558

explained is not very clear; more what is the sense in having such a formula ? Unless this 559

formula is treated under study literature and commented on in terms of how it bears on (or 560

relate to) the information sources dissemination and utilization patterns, I don’t see any need 561

to retain it. 562

563

Data Collection: 564

The paper did not show clear outline of the methods used to collect data. 565

For example: There is no “Heading” for “data Collection” that one expects to show a clear 566

outline of the methods which have been used to collect data including sampling. 567

568

What are the merit and demerit of the methodology used to collect the data? That is, why this 569

methodology and why not other methodology? 570

571

If tables 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are data collected then they should be located under the heading “ 572

Data Collection” but not under the heading “Descriptive Data Analysis”. 573

ALL HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. 574

Descriptive Analysis of Data: 575

Is table 1 primary data or secondary data? 576

If table 1 represents primary data where, how and when collected? 577

The relevance of Table 1 is not very clear; If table 1 represents secondary data what is the 578

sense in having such secondary data under methods/data collection? Unless these data are 579

treated under study findings/ results and commented on in terms of how they bear on (or 580

relate to) information sources dissemination and utilization patterns, I don’t see any need to 581

retain them. 582

583

584

Tables 2, 3, 4 & 5 are also not very clear. Who are the interviewees? Where were they 585

interviewed? How long were they interviewed? What is the structure of the interview 586

questions? There are a whole range of clarity problems about the data collection and analysis. 587

If the raw data are still available the methodology section needs to be repeated by following 588

standard format to address these concerns and many others. The writer needs to look at 589

examples of other publications for more information. 590

I thought the data were somewhat scattered and jumbled up: for example in all tables 1, 2, 3, 591

4 & 5 it is not clear how the data were collected, who were interviewed, how long, etc. The 592

data given in these tables are not clearly explained as well…… it looks like the data are 593

coming from nowhere. 594

595

The paper requires a clear delineation between data collection and analysis (which could fall 596

under methods and be limited to the equation and calculations used in analyzing the data and 597

how the results are being organized or presented) and the study findings/results. 598

599

What are the merit and demerit of the methodology used to analyse the data? That is, why 600

this methodology and why not other methodology? 601

602

Further the paper needs to be very clear on how the data in the different columns have been 603

collected and computed to avoid misleading the reader: I thought the tables should also show 604

from whom, where, how long, the data was collected. 605

606

607

For example in Table 1, there’s an apparent confusion under the column titled “YES”. I fail 608

to understand what the numbers 38, 69, 146, etc, under “YES” were derived from… that is 609

from whom, where, how long. I thought it was unhelpful to leave such important things to 610

the imagination of the reader rather than being explicit about them. And it would be 611

erroneous and misleading if you have used the total responses of those who agreed on the 612

“sources of information to fishermen” and computed this against the total number of 613

interviewees – if this was the approach used then the error should be rectified. 614

615

The reader wants to see defined study populations that said “YES” for the “sources of 616

information to fishermen”, and from where and how long. 617

618

The same comments go for tables 2, 3, 4 and 5. 619

ALL HAVE BEEN CORRECTED Introduction , Objectives, Area of Syudy, methodology, 620

Results. 621

622

Discussion of findings: 623

Sources of information dissemination to artisanal fishermen: Artisanal fishermen in 624

Benue state have various sources of information. hHowever, only few of these sources are 625

effectively utilized as advanced by this study. The study classifies sources of information 626

dissemination to artisanal fishermen into traditional and modern sources. Traditionally, the 627

study reveals the most effective sources of information disseminated as information proffered 628

by colleagues, in the market places and during fishing festivals. The indicated the market 629

place as where they gain information, this information gain mostly here are about the prices 630

of fish. The fishing festivals is another opportunity they have by which people can come and 631

give them talk, especially the extension workers. These sources are always readily available 632

to the artisanal fishermen but, may sometimes be distorted from the original version and 633

hinder effective utilization by fishermen. This agrees with Otolo (2009), sources of 634

information to the Isolo riverine area of Delta state are heavy reliance on town criers, 635

community meetings, friends, relations, church meetings, and personal experience. While the 636

most effective modern sources of information as revealed by the the focus group discussion 637

and interviewees are libraries, which is non-existent in their communities and extension 638

workers who are rarely seen in these areas. The study revealed the perceived roles of public 639

library to extension services as provision of current and relevant journals, fisheries 640

magazines, abstracts and summaries of its latest arrivals, pamphlets and leaflets to aid 641

information dissemination to artisanal fishermen. Public libraries are often not keen in 642

carrying out other responsibilities such as offering information to extension workers, since 643

the role of government pertaining the direct involvement of librarians in information 644

dissemination is not well defined. Aina (2006) agreed that, the use of librarians in the 645

dissemination of information to farmers has always been mooted. He explained that this is 646

because, extension workers may not be aware of the existence of librarians due to lack of 647

collaboration and this undoubtedly affects effective dissemination/utilization by fishermen. 648

Mudannayake (2006) corroborating this advocated that, public libraries have a major role to 649

play by joining with extension workers for making useful information available to farmers in 650

view of increasing their production rate. Another way in which the artisanal fishermen can 651

benefit from public libraries is to know how to read and write, which they can do by starting 652

evening school. 653

studyThey also knew that are radio, mobile phone and newspapers are other modern 654

methods of information sources. Recently, most artisanal fishermen prefer mobile phone due 655

to its dual function of communicating and having an inbuilt radio to access information. 656

However, the fishermen are often faced with the challenges of network problems and this 657

affects effective flow of information and consequently hinder utilization of information that 658

would increase production rate of artisanal sector in the state. Furthermore, the study revealed 659

that libraries are only located in local government head quarters distant from the fishing 660

communities. These libraries are not stocked with relevant and current information materials 661

on fishing and have only one library officer and two extension workers in each local 662

government. Aina (2006) posited that, the ratio of extension workers to farmers in Africa is 663

abysmally low that is why a farmer may not come in contact with extension agents in five 664

years; the farmer is therefore, denied information when it is needed and this affects 665

production. 666


The discussion of findings is scanty but I reiterate that without proper delineation between 668

data collection and analysis there will be no proper and clear discussion of findings. The 669

whole section to be repeated after reviewing sub-sections of data collection and analysis. 670

Each information source and utilization patterns should stand out clearly and vividly 671

explained. 672

673

Are the sources of information to fishermen in table 1 representing Primary Data or 674

Secondary Data? If they are primary data you need to explain how, when, where and from 675

whom they were collected. If they are existing information/secondary data you need to 676

provide the reference(es). 677

678

679

680

681

Perceived roles of public library in extension services to artisanal fishermen: the study 682

revealed the perceived roles of public library to extension services as provision of current and 683

relevant journals, fisheries magazines, abstracts and summaries of its latest arrivals, 684

pamphlets and leaflets to aid information dissemination to artisanal fishermen. Public 685

libraries are often not keen in carrying out other responsibilities such as offering information 686

to extension workers, since the role of government pertaining the direct involvement of 687

librarians in information dissemination is not well defined. Aina (2006) agreed that, the use 688

of librarians in the dissemination of information to farmers has always been mooted. He 689

explained that this is because, extension workers may not be aware of the existence of 690

librarians due to lack of collaboration and this undoubtedly affects effective 691

dissemination/utilization by fishermen. Mudannayake (2006) corroborating this advocated 692

that, public libraries have a major role to play by joining with extension workers for making 693

useful information available to farmers in view of increasing their production rate. 694

Ex Extent of information dissemination/ utilization by artisanal fishermen: Tthe study 695

reveals that, information disseminated to artisanal fishermen is highly utilized. If 696

dissemination of information is effective, information made available to artisanal fishermen 697

will spread like wide fire to all colleagues to enable them improve on their production rate as 698

well as maintain adequate fish supply to the state. The information are needed in such area as 699

obnoxious fishing practices, modern methods of catching fish, modern fishing facilities, fish 700

processing, storage, preservation, fish marketing, middlemen exploitations, where to purchase 701

tools at cheap rate, where to obtain loan, effects of weather on fishing activates, and effects of 702

water pollution. They agreed that the area to gain information mostly is in making use of 703

obnoxious fishing practices such as chemicals, explosives and poisons from empty shells of 704

locus beans that before they use it to catch fish indiscriminately without reserving fingerlings 705

for future harvest. It also destroy organisms that the fish feed on, fish nursery, fish eggs and 706

kill fish indiscriminately thereby not giving room for continuity which results into low 707

production rate. This is in line with Philip and Udoh (2011) who opined that artisanal 708

fishermen apply inappropriate fishing methods like chemo fishing or mass killing of fish in a 709

bid to yield much harvester as narrated by the coordinator. They also gained information on 710

fish processing, storage, preservation and fish processing, storage preservation and fish 711

marketing. Before artisanal fishermen relied heavily on indigenous knowledge of processing, 712

storage and preservation fish which in most cases exposed to infestation by insects and 713

maggots. Lack of proper preservation of fish may lose its value as well as attract low income 714

for artisanal fishermen. 715

716


Extent of information dissemination/ utilization by artisanal fishermen: You need to 718

support the statement under this section with data including analysis and discussion. 719

720

Challenges associated with information dissemination/utilization by artisanal fishermen 721

in Benue state : This study has revealed the challenges of dissemination and utilization of 722

information by artisanal fishermen as acute shortage of public librarians,lack of public 723

libraries and enough staff, lack of rural information and resource centres, and inadequate 724

extension workers. (review this statement) . Also language barrier and lack of motivation 725

were also perceived as inhibitors to information provision to the rural farmers. The study 726

revealed that, only one (1) library officer and two (2) extension workers from each of the 727

three (3) local government areas of study are available to disseminate information. This is a 728

dire situation, which may result ultimately to low production rates. In agreement with this, 729

Njoku (2003) asserted that, there is acute shortage of information and extension officers in 730

the field of information dissemination which affects production rates. The study also revealed 731

that, public libraries/extension workers lack motivation and this may also be affecting their 732

work. Other challenges are lack of awareness, poverty, absence of fisheries programmes on 733

radio and lack of electricity in those communities make it difficult to use television. 734

Similarly, the studies carried out by Arinweze (2004), Adeokun et al (2006) reveal that lack 735

of awareness, high cost of mobile services, lack of television, lack of electricity, abject 736

poverty, lack of access roads are challenges faced with disseminating information to rural 737

dwellers. However, these challenges can be alleviated by providing strategies that will 738

enhance access to information and use. 739

740

Strategies for enhancing information sources, dissemination, and utilization by 741

artisanal fishermen in Benue state: This study revealed strategies for enhancing 742

information sources, dissemination, and utilization by artisanal fishermen in Benue State as: 743

identifying the most effective sources of information needed by fishermen and dissemination 744

of same for enhanced fishery producion, linking public libraries with extension workers for 745

effective information dissemination, the establishment of agricultural advisory boards 746

comprising librarians and extension workers to make extensive use of non-print media as a 747

means of overcoming ineffective dissemination of information to farmers. The establishment 748

of rural libraries in fishing communities may alleviate information dissemination and 749

utilization problems to farmers in Benue state., Ppackaging and repackaging information to 750

artisanal fishermen may enhance utilization. The use of Audio-visual resources may help to 751

facilitate information dissemination and utilization by artisanal fishermen. This is because 752

most of these fishermen are semi –literate and some illiterate and information repackaged in 753

their local languages in the form of tape recorders, CD’s and DVD’s can go a long way in 754

creating lasting memories that will increase production rate of artisanal fishermen in the 755

State. All these facilities can be made available in their community library. Otolo (2009) also 756

suggest that efforts should be made by the ministry of agriculture to employ more agriculture 757

extension workers. In other words, the extension workers should know their local dialect and 758

be able to interpret the necessary documents to the artisanal fishermen. 759

760


You need to support the statement under this section with the results of your findings. 762

Limitation of the Study 763

The study was done in only three local government areas. The study would have stood a 764

greater degree of generalization if the study included other fishing communities in the local 765

government area of the state. 766

One focus group for each local government is small. 767

Area for Further Studies 768

Information needs and Information Dissemination to Artisanal Fishermen in Riverine area of 769

Benue State. 770

Factors Influencing adoption of fisheries innovation by Artisanal Fishermen in coastal area of 771

Benue State. 772

Generalization of the Study 773

The study can be used to study other sectors, including agricultural sectors that are of the 774

same level as artisanal fishermen because, the study involved three information gathering 775

procedures, questionnaire, interview and focus group. The questions and questionnaire may 776

be modified to fit into whatever the researcher wants to investigate. With three information 777

gathering procedures involved, it can be used in any region in Nigeria or any other countries 778

in general provided it involves similar and small community. 779

780

Implications of the study 781

Dissemination/utilization of information is paramount to artisanal fishery sector since 782

it enhances production rate. The findings of this study have the following implications to 783

artisanal fishery sector, public libraries, extension workers, the general public and 784

government. Traditional and modern sources of information dissemination to artisanal 785

fishermen were revealed by the study. However, lack of effective sources of information to 786

artisanal fishermen will result in the decrease in production rate and there will be gross 787

shortage of fish supply in the State while demand will be on increase. It requires the 788

collaboration of extension work, staff of public libraries and educated members of the 789

community to help in repackaging of information, in the language the artisanal fishermen will 790

understand. If information disseminated to artisanal fishermen is not well well packaged and 791

utilized then the local fishermen will not produce enough for consumers producers and 792

government will will perpetually depend on importation of fish.. It It is against this 793

background that the following recommendations are were made. 794



797

Recommendations 798

The following recommendations are made from the findings of the study. 799

1. Effective sources of information dissemination such as packaging and repackaging of 800

information in indigenous languages of the state should be deployed as this will help 801

artisanal fishermen to improve on fish production rate. 802

2. Librarians should be fully involved in the direct dissemination of information to 803

artisanal fishermen as professionals; since, they will know better where to source for 804

current and relevant information that will improve production rate of artisanal 805

fishermen. Also to achieve the goal of disseminating information to artisanal 806

fishermen, there should be linkage between public libraries and extension workers. 807

3. Local government authorities should liaise with Librarians to establishment local 808

community information service centers/rural libraries in fishing communities 809

nationwide. This will increase utilization as well as production rate. 810

4. Government should recruit more librarians and extension workers and also adequately 811

motivate them to perform their function of dissemination of current and relevant 812

information to artisanal fishermen and increase the fish production of artisanal fishery 813

sector. 814

5. Adult literacy classes should be organized to educate illiterate fishermen and artisanal 815

fishermen with low formal education background for more effective information 816

dissemination and utilization. 817

6. Provision of basic amenities like electricity so that artisanal can access information 818

through radio, television and mobile phone. 819

820

Conclusion 821

The dissemination of information to artisanal fishermen in the 21st century is crucial, 822

since information is the bedrock for effective operation of any occupation. This study has 823

established the critical role information plays in fishery production and the benefits of having 824

timely, crucial information by fishermen. In of Benue state. artisanal fishermen need to gain 825

information in areas such as modern methods of fishing, modern fishing facilities, effects of 826

obnoxious fishing practices, fish processing, storage, preservation and marketing, where to 827

obtain loan, effects of weather on fishing, and effects on water pollution Literature of related 828

sources were examined from both local and foreign scholars. The survey research method 829

was used and fishermen were sampled from the three local government areas of Benue state. 830

Results revealed that although both local and modern methods were used as information 831

sources, they were not maximally effective. Results showed that information dissemination 832

and utilization by fishermen were rife with a lot of inhibitors which ranged from a disconnect 833

between the public librarians and the extension workers, lack of adequate facilities and 834

infrastructure such as rural information and resource centres, and language barriers. and lack 835

of adequate motivation of the information providers. Strategies were provided in line with the 836

inhibitors to ameliorate these challenges for enhanced information provision and fishery 837

output in Benue State of Nigeria. There is no doubt that enhancement on information 838

dissemination and utilization will improve artisanal fishery in the three local government 839

areas of Benue State. 840

841


843


845

Have you considered the various factors which might explain the high prevalence of 846

information sources dissemination and utilization patterns, from both the point of view of bad 847

policy implementation, lack of education and sensitization for the fishermen, the resources 848

available, the local laws, etc etc? How do the merits of the artisanal fishing which highly 849

involves illiterate people obtain, store, retrieve, disseminate and utilize information?. A 850

critical discussion of all of these issues, to be linked into the study findings, could be 851

substantiated with appropriate data analyzed and referencing. 852

853

854

855

References: 856

Adeokun, O.A, Adereti, F.O. and Opele, A.I (2006). Factors influencing adoption of fisheries 857

innovation by artisanal fishermen in Coastal areas of Ogun State. Journal of Applied 858

Science Research. 1(1); 966. 859

Adepoju, O. (2001). Information sources in science and technology: A new approach. 860

Ibadan: Fountain publisher . 861

Agwu, A.E.(2000) Diffusion of improved cowpea production technologies among farmers in 862

the north east savanna zone of Nigeria. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 863

Akpabio, I.A. and Ekenem,J.T (2008). Extension needs of fish marketers in Akwa-Ibon State. 864

Journal of Agriculture and Social Science. 4(1); 1-5. 865

Aina, L. O. (2006). Information provision to farmers in Africa: The library extension service 866

linkage. Paper presented at World Library and Information Congress. Retrieved 867

from http://www.ifla72/index.intro 868

Alfred S.D.Y. and Fagbenro (2006). Perception of tilapia farmer on informion sources in the 869

coastal region of Ondo State, Nigeria. Proceedings of the Seventh International 870

Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture (W. M. Contreras-Sanehez and K. 871

Fitzsimmons, eds.) 872

Aninweze, O.P. (2004). Information needs of rural dwellers: A case study of Ukehe 873

community in Igbo Etiti local government area of Enugu State, unpublished degree 874

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973

APPENDIX A 974

Questionnaire on Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization Patterns of the Artisanal 975

Fishery Sector in Benue State, Nigeria. 976

SECTION A: Demographic information of Artisanal Fishermen. 977

Tick as applied to you. 978

1. Your local Government Area. a) Guma { }; b) Katsina-Ala { }; c) Makurdi { } 979

2. Your Occupational Specialization: a) Fishing; { } b) Fish processing, storage, 980

preservation and marketing; { } and c) Both { } 981

SECTION B: Information Source and Utilization Pattern 982

3. Through which of the following information sources do you gain access to 983

information needed for your fishing. Tick Yes or No. 984

S/N Sources of Information Yes No

1 Public libraries

2 Extension workers

3 Colleagues

4 Radio

5 Newspapers

6 Mobile phones

7 fishing festivals

8 Television

9 Market place

985

4. Please indicate the extent to which you utilize information made available to you 986

concerning fishing. Tick the appropriate option as VHE=Very high extent, HE=high 987

extent, LE=Low extent, VLE=very less extent. 988

989

S/N Extent to which information is utilized by artisanal fishermen

VHL HE LE VLE

1 Provision of available information facilitates access to market prices.

2 Through information disseminated artisanal fishermen can have access to modern fishing facilities.

3 Information disseminated enable artisanal fishermen to know and avoid the danger of overfishing.

4 Information disseminated prevents artisanal fishermen from using obnoxious fishing practices.

5 Information disseminated help artisanal fishermen to improve on their traditional skills of fishing.

6 Information disseminated enable artisanal fishermen to know the growing environmental deterioration and its damaging effects on fishing operation and seek for solution.

990

5. Please indicate in your opinion which of the following are barriers to you in accessing 991

and utilization of information necessary for fishing. Tick the appropriate option as 992

S A= Strongly agreed, A= Agreed, D= Disagreed, SDA= Strongly disagreed. 993

S/N Constraints associated with information dissemination/utilization.

SA A DA SDA

1 Acute shortage of librarians/ extension workers.

2 No linkage between public libraries and extension workers.

3 Lack of motivation to public librarians/extension workers

4 High cost of information materials.

5 Lack of rural libraries/information centers

6 Language barriers

994

6. Please indicate in your opinion which of the following suggestions can enhance 995

information sources dissemination and utilization for fishermen in Benue State. Tick 996

the appropriate option as S A= Strongly agreed, A= Agreed, D= Disagreed, SDA= 997

Strongly disagreed. 998

S/N Strategies for enhancing information dissemination/utilization

SA A DA SDA

1 Recruitment of more librarians/ extension workers to disseminate information to artisanal fishermen.

2 Linkage between public libraries and extension workers.

3 Identifying the most effective information sources for use

4 Establishment of agricultural advisory board comprising of librarians and extension workers

5 Packaging and repackaging information to artisanal fishermen.

6 Establishment of rural libraries in fishing communities.

7 Encouraging the use of audiovisual materials by public librarians/extension workers.

999

Interview Schedule 1000

The following questions were used in conducting interview. 1001

1. Through which do you gain information for fishery? 1002

2. Which areas do apply the information gained for fishery? 1003

3. What problems do you encounter when getting or using information on fishery? 1004

4. What ways do you think the problems can be solved? 1005

1006

1007

Documents

Original Research Article1 Original Research Article 2 Information Sources Dissemination and Utilization Patterns of the 3 Artisanal Fishery Sector in Benue state, Nigeria. 4 5 6 Abstract