Biotechnical Factors of Homestead Fish Farming in Ado Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Fapohunda* and Akinbamido
ABSTRACT
This research determined the biotechnical factors of homestead fish farming in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 75 homestead fish farmers selected using purposive sampling technique through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine biotechnical factors, challenges, production status and productivity of homestead aquaculture venture in the study area. The results showed that the biotechnical factors were well managed for homestead fish farming. The study revealed that 36% of the respondents have between 6-10 years of experience, while 46.7% engaged in this practice on a full-time basis, with 77.3% stocking only catfish. It was also observed that 44% of the respondents used concrete tanks for rearing fish, and 56% sourced water from borehole. The production status of aquaculture in the study area revealed that average pond was 3m by 2.5m by 1.4m (48%), with the remaining respondents having smaller sized ponds, stocking density was 1001-2000pcs by 41.3% of the respondents. Average fish output was 101-250kg per cycle as recorded by 46.7% of the respondents, only 49.3% of the respondents have active ponds, while others had moribund ponds (13.3%) and resting ponds (37.4%). Primary challenges faced included financial constraints (41.3%) and lack of quality fish feed (37.3%). Homestead fish farming in Ado- Ekiti can be further optimized, ensuring it remains a sustainable and profitable venture that contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.
