Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Artisanal Fisherwomen in Rivers State

This study assesses the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices of artisanal fisherwomen in riverine communities of Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Artisanal fisherwomen occupy a paradoxical position of proximity to a highly nutritious food resource, yet evidence from coastal communities suggests that fish consumption within fishing households does not always translate into dietary adequacy due to economic and cultural factors. Using a cross-sectional descriptive analytical design, the study targets 280 fisherwomen in Degema and Asari-Toru local government areas. Data were collected using the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice framework questionnaire and a structured dietary diversity assessment. Objectives include assessing knowledge of fish nutritional value and dietary diversity, measuring attitudes toward varied food consumption, and documenting actual dietary practices. Analytical methods include mean scores, chi-square, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation. The Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Model anchors the study. Recent literature from South South Nigeria documents paradoxical fish protein deficiency in fishing households linked to the commodification of catch and preference for cheaper processed foods. Findings are expected to reveal discordance between knowledge and practice, particularly among fisherwomen in communities with active fish export markets. Recommendations address the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, fisheries cooperatives, and Home Economics departments to develop nutrition communication interventions for fishing communities. Keywords: nutritional knowledge, attitudes, practices, artisanal fisherwomen, Rivers State.