Women and Aquaculture in the 21st Century

The study was conducted to determine women participation in fisheries activities as a means of livelihood in Doma Local Government area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of sixty (60) women involved in fisheries activities were selected through purposive sampling technique in the study area. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and personal interview of the respondents. Simple descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Results of the study showed that 33.3% of the respondents were within the active productive age of between 31 and 40 years. Majorities (63.3%) of the respondents were married, and about (40%) had 6-10 years’ experience in fisheries activities. Result indicated that majority (33.35) of the respondents were engaged in smoked fish marketing while 26.7% were involved in fresh fish marketing. The result further revealed that majority of the respondents do not spend a kobo on transport, firewood, repair and maintenance, fuel, processed fish, purchase of fresh fish, fishing equipment, fridge, cooler, drums, bowls and rent on land and shops respectively.