The study examined the socio-economic determinants of level of adoption of risk management strategies by fish farmers in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study specifically described the socioeconomic characteristics of fish farmers, identified the various sources of risk and determined the socioeconomic factors that influence the level of adoption of risk management strategies. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select sixty-seven (67) fish farmers. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The result showed that majority were young male with an average age of 40 years. The most common sources of risk were the fluctuation in prices of fish feed and fish. The age of farmers, household size, and farming experience were some of the factors that influenced the adoption to risk management strategies. However due to the inadequate extension service activities, farmers were not able to fully utilize the different and essential risk management strategies. Hence, the study recommends that young women should be encouraged to invest in fish farming business. Also, extension agents should be encouraged to disseminate useful information to farmers on essential risk management strategies.
The rate of deforestation and degradation of forests in Malawi has been remarkably high as a result of high dependency on forests for cooking fuel, expansion of agriculture and population growth. Similarly, forests in Malawi are a source of livelihood, as well as safety nets for rural communities in times of unanticipated scarcity of food or as gap fillers during regular seasonal shortfalls of food supply. The forest sector also supports agriculture which is the backbone of the economy in various ways such as in soil erosion management, soil fertility improvement, and water flow regulation. These have made the forest sector key in economic growth and poverty alleviation in Malawi, which is among the world’s poorest countries. Hence, the forest sector in Malawi is of great importance to sustainable livelihood and development. However, the high dependence on forests particularly among rural households is prone to exacerbate deforestation and degradation of forests in the COVID-19 pandemic era. This is so because Malawi, just like in other parts of the world has experienced a decline in household income and loss of jobs as a result of the pandemic, leading to increased pressure on forests, especially among forest-dependent households. This study looked at the implication of COVID-19 on the forest sector in three ways; the demand and supply of forest products as well as forest management, by reviewing relevant literature. The review showed that the COVID-19 precautionary measures such as restriction of movement and closure of border disrupted the supply chain of forest resources, which resulted in a demand shortage. Also, the ‘work from home” measure, which keeps forest guard away from forests increasing the exploitation of forest and forest conservation training programmes as well as impedes tourism to forest reserves. Therefore, the knowledge of the implication of COVID-19 on Malawi’s forest is core in building a resilient and sustainable post-COVID-19 economy.
To provide solutions to the issues of climate change, food insecurities, environmental degradation, food safety and sustainability in production, organic farming was developed as opposed to the conventional method of farming which involved the use of synthetic fertilizers and other agro-chemicals. The objectives of the study was to determine the level of awareness of organic farming practices and to determine the use and level of use of organic farming practices among livestock and fish farmers in the study area. Multistage sampling techniques were employed. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. Sample size comprised of 115 fish farmers and 99 livestock farmers which made a total of 214 rural farmers. Results showed that fish farmers were more aware of organic farming practices relative to livestock farmers. Also, fish farmers used more of organic farming methods for fishing activities than livestock farmers. However, the level of awareness and level of use of organic farming practices was low for both farmers. Therefore, it was recommended that extension campaign on organic farming sensitization should be increased.
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