Effects Of Climate Change And Adaptation Strategies On Catfish Production In Imo State, Nigeria
EGWUONWU, Helen Adeola
Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examined the effects that climate change had on catfish production and their adaptation strategies. Structured questionnaire was used to collecting data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in analyzing data for the study. Climate change was aware by the majority (97.50%) of the catfish farmers. Effect of climate change on fish production were flooding of the farm area (x̄ = 3.55), Increase in fish production due to long period of harmattan season (x̄ = 3.48), drought increases production of fish (x̄ = 3.53), increase in precipitation increases fish production (x̄ = 3.04), occurrence of drought decrease fish production (x̄ = 2.96), reduction in fish farming activities (x̄ = 2.96), reduction in fish quality (x̄ = 2.55), increase in fish mortality (x̄ = 2.54) and high incidence of disease infestation (x̄ = 2.53). Catfish farmers identified adaptation strategies adopted as ponds construction near water sources (98.9%), provision of alternative water supply during dry seasons (96.3%), adjustment in the time of stocking (87.5%), stocking good species of catfish that are more favourable to climate change (87.5%), getting more expose to new adaptation strategies (85.0%), avoiding pond leakage (81.3%), building embankments to prevent flood (80.0%), use of good water circulating system (75.0%). Production of catfish was threatened by climate change in the area of study. The study recommends that extension agents should double their efforts in training and enlightening programmes on adaptation strategies to climate change on fish production.