Motivational Needs of Indigenous Capture Fish Farmers for Increased Protein Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the motivational needs of indigenous capture fish farmers for increased protein production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four specific objectives and four research questions. It adopted the analytic descriptive survey research design. The targeted population of the study was all educated capture fish farmers in Bayelsa State. The purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 267 respondents. The instrument for data collection contained 20 item statements, titled “Motivational Needs of Indigenous Capture Fish Farmers for Increased Protein Production Questionnaire”, which was used to elicit information from the respondents. It was validated by two experts, one from the Test and Measurement unit of the Department of Counselling and Educational Psychology and one from the Department of Agricultural Science Education, Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient statistical tool was used, and a reliability index of 0.72 was yielded, indicating a good reliability. The data collected were analysed using mean statistics and standard deviation. The study found that access to affordable and modern fishing equipment will motivate indigenous capture fish farmers for increased protein production in Bayelsa State. The study therefore concluded and recommended that access to affordable and modern fishing equipment significantly motivates indigenous capture fish farmers to enhance their fishing efforts for increased protein production. As such, the Government of Bayelsa State should provide indigenous capture fish farmers with affordable and modern fishing equipment to enhance their efficiency and motivation, ensuring increased protein production.