VOCATIONAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS REQUIRED BY FARMERS IN FISH BREEDING ENTERPRISE FOR SUSTAINABLE INCOME IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

The study was designed to identify vocational and entrepreneurial skills required by Farmers in Fish Breeding Enterprise for sustainable income in Delta State. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The population comprised three hundred and forty four (344) registered fish farmers in Delta State. Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 100 respondents who are into fish spawning (breeding) business. Data was collected from respondents using structured questionnaire which was validated by experts and reliability coefficient of 0.86 was obtained using the test-retest method. Hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The results of the analysis revealed that appropriate site for breeding, consumers preference in the location, ability to identify fish species that are efficient converters, advertising of products, good record keeping, recognition of business opportunities, identification of market channels for fry and fingerlings, identification and maintenance good customer relationship amongst others were entrepreneurial skills required to for fish breeding business. Nature of the brooding stock; timing and temperature management are vocational skills required to induce mature female fish. Starvation and selection of mature stock injecting pituitary hormone, collection of gamates and supply of running water and/or compressed air are vocational skills required to hatch fish. The null hypothesis tested was accepted. The study recommended that the findings of the study should be used as training module for would-be fish breeders in vocational centers. The finding should also be provided in printed and electronic forms for interested persons or farmers to reach when needed.