Socioeconomic Determinants of Fish Farming Adoption in Taraba State

This study identified and analysed the socioeconomic determinants influencing the adoption of fish farming among rural households in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Despite abundant water resources and favourable agroecological conditions, fish farming adoption remains low in the state compared to southern Nigerian counterparts. A survey was conducted among 140 rural households, comprising both fish farmers and non-farming households, in four local government areas. Data were collected on household income, educational level, land tenure, access to credit, awareness of aquaculture extension programmes, distance to input markets, and adoption status. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors with statistically significant influence on adoption decisions. Results showed that educational attainment, access to extension services, membership in farmer cooperatives, and proximity to input markets were positively and significantly associated with fish farming adoption. Household income level was also a strong predictor, with higher-income households more likely to adopt. Gender was a significant variable, with female-headed households exhibiting lower adoption rates, reflecting structural barriers in land access and credit eligibility. Non-farmers cited capital constraints, lack of technical knowledge, and fear of production risks as primary reasons for non-adoption. The study recommends a package of targeted interventions including subsidised starter kits, mobile extension outreach, women-inclusive cooperative development, and risk mitigation through demonstration farms to accelerate fish farming adoption in Taraba State. Keywords: fish farming adoption, socioeconomic determinants, aquaculture, rural households, Taraba State