Drivers of Modern Technology Utilization in the Fisheries Sector of Lagos State, Nigeria

The utilization of modern technology in the fisheries sector is critical to improving productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in the face of increasing demand and environmental challenges. This study investigated the drivers influencing the utilization of modern technologies in the fisheries sector of Lagos State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the modern fishing technologies currently being utilized in the sector and determined the major drivers influencing the utilization of these technologies in the study area. Primary data were collected through administration of structured questionnaires to 120 randomly selected fish farmers across four major fish-producing local government areas in the state. Descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics were used for the data analysis. The study found that majority (60%) of fish farmers were male, with a mean age of 37.91 years. Factors such as sex, age, education level of the respondents, fishing experience, income, access to loan and the frequency of extension visits significantly drove the utilization of modern technologies (improved pond liming and fertilization, culture methods and fertilities, feed preparation and feeding methods, gear technology, value addition, preservation, processing and marketing technologies). The study concluded that the utilization of modern technologies in Lagos State’s fisheries sector is driven by diverse socioeconomic and institutional factors, highlighting the need for deeper understanding of these influences to encourage wider and more effective technology utilization in the fisheries sector. Enhancing these drivers will not only improve fish yield and income but also contribute to food security and sustainable growth of the fisheries sector in Lagos State. Keywords: Innovation adoption, socioeconomic determinants, technology advancement, sustainable livelihoods