The Challenges of Fishery Resource Management Practices in Mayo Ranewo Community in Ardo Kola Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State Nigeria

Abstract

Taraba State is well endowed with abundant surface water which includes ponds and rivers. This include rivers Benue (second largest river in Nigeria which traverse the state for over 390km), Taraba and Donga and their tributaries. The state has about 500,000 hectares of water body and 142 natural ponds. Fishery is therefore an important local resource bases of the rural communities in the State especially those along the river Benue. Conflict over access and ownership of this local resource base as a result of increasing population and demand for fish has been a source of concern to many people in recent times. This study examines the challenges of the fishery management practices in the local community in the face of declining fishery resources, increase degradation and climate change among others. The study focuses on artisanal inland fishery on the River Benue and its tributaries using the case study of Mayo Ranewo. It considers the challenges of operating fisheries in a sustainable way, the principles and management practices adopted in the rural community. The survey design method was used to collect data. The instrument involves the use of questionnaire which was randomly administered on 65 respondents in Mayo Ranewo community. Focus group discussion method was also used to generate additional information to compliment the questionnaire data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. The study is important because it provide information that will guide small scale fisheries management in the face of social, economic and environmental changes and allow for more adaptive response to new circumstances and opportunities.