Socioeconomic Determinants of Fish Farming Adoption Among Rural Households in Cross River State, South South Nigeria

Fish farming has gained prominence as a rural livelihood diversification strategy in the South South geopolitical zone, where artisanal fisheries are under increasing pressure from environmental degradation and overexploitation. In Cross River State, government and development partner programmes have promoted fish farming as an enterprise that can improve household nutrition and income. This study investigated the socioeconomic determinants of fish farming adoption among rural households in Cross River State. A random sample of 96 rural households was selected from four local government areas. Structured questionnaires collected data on household demographics, income, access to credit and technical assistance, and fish farming status. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify adoption determinants. Results showed that household income, access to extension services, proximity to fingerling supply centres, and membership in rural savings associations were positively and significantly associated with fish farming adoption. Low capital availability and inadequate technical knowledge were the principal barriers among non-adopters. The study recommends establishing community-level fingerling multiplication units and integrating fish farming advisory services into mainstream agricultural extension delivery. Access to affordable credit targeted at smallholder aquaculture enterprises should be strengthened through state-level rural finance institutions. Keywords: fish farming, adoption determinants, rural households, Cross River State, aquaculture.