Gender Participation in Fish Harvesting Activities in Catch-Locations in Lagos State Nigeria: A Tool for Food Security and Sustainability

Abstract

This study examined gender participation in fish harvesting activities in catch-locations in Lagos state Nigeria. This paper was based on the gender participation in fishing activities within the coastal areas of Lagos State with five study locations; Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Lekki and Makoko in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data for the study was collected through structured questionnaire. Chi-square analysis (x²= 22.6, df 2) revealed that gender participation was significantly different (P<0.05) thereby rejecting the null research hypothesis (H_o). Result obtained  revealed that majority (85.0%) of the respondents were between 26 – 55 years of age, with the mean age of 45.2years, most (75.0%) of the respondents were males and most (75.0%) of the respondents were married, while majority (81.7%) of the respondents had one form of formal education. Mean year of fishing experience was 15.6years, with the mean household size of 5persons. The study showed that several fish species were harvested in the coastal area which includes; tilapia, catfishes, mullet and crayfish among others. It was established that majority (80.0%) of male and few (10.0%) of female participating in fish harvesting sector regarded it a family business. Majority of the challenges confronting fish harvesting sectors were flooding during rainy season, high cost of production, lack of labour, high cost of labour, high tide and others inclusive. The study concludes that male actively participates in fish harvesting activities more than female counterpart in the study area either as a family business, for sustenance purpose or due to personal interest. It therefore recommends that challenges facing gender participation in fishing activities need to be tackled head-on so as serve as a tool for sustainability and effective exploitation of fisheries resources.

Keywords: Gender, Fish, Harvesting, Sustainability, Catch- Location