Assessmentof fish processors on the use of fish processing technologies in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess fish processors on the use of fish processing technologies in Kwara state. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule using a multi stage sampling procedure. 150 fish processors were selected for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority of the fish processors were female which indicated that the enterprise was gender sensitive. Majority was married, middle age, have no formal education and has experience on fish processing in the study area. Majority of the fish processors got information about fish processing technologies from radio. The result also revealed that mud oven was the commonly used fish processing technology for processing in the study area.The major constraint hindering the use of fish processing technology was the high cost of modern fish processing technologies while the least problem was competition within fish processors. This study therefore recommended that relevant research institutes (NIFFR, NIOMR, and NSPRI) should design more improved fish processing technologies that are accessible, affordable and also relevant to the fish processors, and extension delivery service should be funded properly by Government so as to enable their services be enjoyed and reach a vast number of fish processors which will increase the use of more improved fish processing technologies by interested fish processors.