Assessment of the Season of Highest fish Landings among Fishing Communities in Shiroro and Kainji Dams, Nigeria

This study assessed the season of highest fish landings among fishing communities in Shiroro and Kainji dams, Nigeria. A Questionnaire was used to collect data from 460 fishers. Multi-stage and proportionate sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The results of the study showed rainy season accounted for (85.7%) respondents supporting that fishes were caught more during rainy/flood season, dry season constituted (27.4%) respondents in support that more catches were made during dry season. The seasonal fishing activities in Shiroro and Kainji dams is dictated by the hydrology of the dams and the environment which in turn depended on the prevailing climate of the areas. Study findings indicated that August/September is usually the peak period for fishing activities because it corresponded with high rainfall and flooding season, this increases the water surface area for fishing activities even in the flooded tributaries and low lands. Findings of the study on ways of disposal of caught fish indicated that, the majority of the fishers dispose their catch fresh (57.2%), (33.0%) of respondents sell their catch dried while (11.5%) fishers sell their catch smoked. The majority of caught fish is sold fresh. The preference for fresh fish could be due to better infrastructure or local demand for fresh products around the dams. Outcome of the study further show that the majority (63.5%) of the fishers caught fish for consumption and sales, (28.0%) of the fishers caught fish for main consumption while (8.5%) caught fish for sale only. Findings further reveal that caught fish were used for household consumption and the surplus was sold for income generation. This reflects a dual-purpose approach where households consume part of their catch and sell the surplus, which is supported by research on subsistence and small-scale fisheries. In conclusion, the study showed that artisanal fisheries activities are an important livelihood activity in the lives of the fishers as they enhance the food security and income of fishers. The study therefore recommended that more extension officers should be recruited by the government to provide more extension services to fishers that could boost artisanal fisheries practices around the two dams and in the country at large. The government should encourage the development of local fisheries technologies by financing relevant research institutes to come up with fisheries developmental strategies. Relevant agencies should network with local fishers to import environmentally compatible fishing gears and boats and other fishing equipment for sustainable fisheries development around the two dams and Nigeria at large