Authors : J.A. Daramola , S.A. Osofero , C.T. Kester and O.K. Gbadamosi
Abstract: The study critically presents an overview of the state of Aquaculture in Nigeria with particular reference to Ekiti State, South-West, Nigeria. The review of the state which is land-locked, covered a 8-year period between 1996-2003. Searchlights were beamed on fish production vis-a-vis earthen ponds in the 16 local government areas, dams and reservoirs. The dams and reservoirs are all state-owned. There were 7 dams/reservoirs which are located in different parts of the state with a total surface area of 767 hectares, 400 fishermen and an annual yield of 115,877.50 kg. Between 1996, when the state was created and 2003, there was an increase in aquacultural activities in the state as evident in the increase in number of earthen ponds. Within the spate of 8 years, there was a yearly increase of 6.20, 18.58, 23.89 and 48.67%, respectively and 67.25% in the last 3 years (2000-2003) of this review. While the level of aquaculture in Nigeria will appear to have increased, the spate of aquacultural development in Ekiti State has not in anyway caught up with the growing human population and fish demand. Also, this review covered the problems militating against fish culture and proffer possible solutions. It is expected that this will present a baseline for further efforts geared at improving the status of aquaculture in Nigeria and her component states.
J.A. Daramola , S.A. Osofero , C.T. Kester and O.K. Gbadamosi , 2007. Overview of the Status of Aquaculture in Nigeria with Reference to Ekiti State . Agricultural Journal, 2: 447-452.