Factors that Influence Attitude of Artisanal Fishers towards Conservation Measures in Ekperiama (Ekperikiri), Niger Delta

Abstract

The study was conducted between September 2013 to April 2015 to determine Artisanal Fishers attitude towards conservation measures in Ekperiama formally known as Ekperikiri in the Niger Delta. With the aid of well-structured questionnaires the desired information were collected and analyzed. Total sample sizes of 260 respondents within the study area were interviewed. Structured questionnaire was divided into four sections to include: socio-psychological characteristics, business information, environmental issues, conservation/ management knowledge. Likert scale was used when applicable. Factor analysis was conducted with the items to determine if underlying construct existed in the sub-scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure reliability of data and correlation was applied to measure linear relationship between variables. Binary logistic regression technique was used to determine the impact of the independent variables on willingness to adopt fisheries conservation measures. From the analysis, socio-psychological, environmental and institutional barriers are the primary factors influencing fisher’s participation in fisheries conservation programmes in Ekperiama, Ogbia creek. These factors include: fishing experience, awareness, fishers relationship with community, cooperation amongst fishers, relationship with other communities and fishers positive attitude towards preserving nature.