The Abundance and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Kpata Fish Market in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study attempts to analyze the abundance and possible market characteristic of the Kpata fish market (Old Market) in Lokoja. Fishery products caught were mainly to meet domestic demand especially in Lokoja. Age distribution among fish mongers do not differ significantly (p > 0.05) as 63.1% of the fish mongers fell within the economic productive age group (18 to 55 years), less than 30% of the respondent were between the ages of 56 to 70 years and only 4.3% of the respondents fell within the step-down age group (71 to 100 years). Distribution of fish species as observed in the market are majorly fresh water species even though there are traces of brackish and marine fish species. Despite the market’s long historical background, low level of former education and poor market infrastructures are the major constrains observed in this study.

Key words: - Kpata fish market, Socio-economic characteristics, Northern Nigeria.