Economic Analysis Of Artisanal Fishing At River Niger Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study investigated the economics of artisanal fishing along River Niger in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 80 fishermen were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected by the use of structured set of questionnaires. Four research questions guided the study. Results of profitability analysis showed that an average fisherman makes a gross margin of N 96002.29 per month in a year. The problems of artisanal fish production included inadequate cold rooms/storage facilities, high cost of fuel and spare parts as well as extreme unfavorable weather condition. The study recommends among others; subsidizing inputs such as engine boats and the spare parts and use of cooperative efforts to build cold rooms with good storage facilities. Keywords: Artisanal fishing; economic analysis; river Niger; Nigeria