A Correlates of Factors Influencing Succession Plans among Artisanal Fisher Folks in Coastal Areas of Southwest, Nigeria

The Nigerian fisheries sector primarily comprises artisanal (inland) and coastal fishing. This makes the actual process of succession complicated. Hence, this research aims to assess the artisanal fisher folks' perception towards succession plans in Coastal Areas of Southwest Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 150 artisanal fisher folks from two states, Ogun and Ondo, with the highest fish production figures in Southwest Nigeria. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule. The analytical tools include chi-square and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, frequencies, and percentages. The results show that the mean age was 37.30±12.54, and about (56%) were male. Furthermore, income diversification among the respondents revealed a majority (88.7%) earning between ₦2,000.00 - ₦125,101.00, with fishing experience of 6.37±6.20. Most fisher folk (56%) were involved in full-time fishing. The chi-square analysis revealed that educational attainment (x2=24.56 p<=0.05) and involvement in fishing expenditure (x2=29.42) were significant factors associated with the succession plan of artisanal fisher folks. The study illuminates the difficulties confronting succession plans in the study area and highlights areas where government support is needed and how stakeholders can reduce future generational conflicts that may ensue after the death of business owners.