FSN-PW 0011 WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN LOWER IKPA RIVER FISHERIES OF , : A CASE STUDY OF IFIAYONG

EKPO, I. E. and UDOH, J. P. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of , Uyo

Copyright 2010, Fisheries Society of Nigeria. INTRODUCTION This paper was prepared for presentation at the 25th Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Fisheries is an important sub-sector of the (ASCON), Topo-Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria, 25th – 29th October, 2010. Nigerian economy (Shinkafi, 2007) which This paper was selected for presentation by an FISON Program Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the attracts various participants and author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the Fisheries Society of Nigeria and are subject to correction by the author(s). contributors to the economic development The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, its officers, or members. Papers presented at of the nation. Fishing is the main FISON meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or occupation of the people of Akwa Ibom storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria is prohibited. Permission to State of Nigeria. The State is blessed with reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous several networks of streams, rivers and acknowledgement of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), P. O. Box 2607 Apapa, seasonally-flooded plains (ponds and Lagos. swamps) which house some important socio-economic food fish species. ABSTRACT Fisheries resources serve as sources of Ifiayong is a small local village market cheap protein diet, employment where economically and commercially opportunities, recreation, tourism and important fin and shellfishes are landed. It research, among others. The fisheries is located very close to the Five Star and enterprise employs both men and women, Ibom Le Meridian Hotels at Nwaniba with most men preferring clean, good and beach. Women functioned as transporters, higher paid white-collar jobs. Women are sorters, processors, financiers, distributors active participants in the traditional and marketers of the thirty-two finfish fisheries sub-sector. They are either families, seven shellfish species together wholly involved or complement the men in with three turtles (reptiles) encountered at sustenance of their households. There is the study site. Socio-economic survey therefore a great need to encourage the revealed that ninety-four women modally women folk in this sector in order to aged 46-55years (34; 36.17%) increase fish supply as well as the overall participated in the fisheries and frequently economic wellbeing of fisher families. communicated in Efik (40; 42.55%), and The objective of this paper is to critically were mostly drop-outs (40; 40.56%) in survey the participation of women in educational level and polygamous (35; fisheries development at Ifiayong fish 38.30%). The modal family size was 11-15 market in the lower Ikpa River; to identify persons (45; 47.87%) who invested N the fishery resources; to investigate the 41,000 - N 50,000 (28; 29.79%). Problems socio-economic status of the women and to encountered by these women together with identify the problems facing them with the the corresponding solutions and view of proffering appropriate recommendations proffered solutions/recommendations. were highlighted with the aim of making Ifiayong a revenue generating and tourism MATERIALS AND METHODS centre for Local Council and Akwa Study area Ibom State Government. The Ikpa River is situated in Akwa Ibom Keywords: Women, inaha, Ifiayong, State (latitude 05 11' and longitude 07 lower Ikpa River 55') within the rainforest zone of southeastern Nigeria. It is a small

650 Ekpo, I. E. & Udoh, J. P. FISON EKO 2010 perennial rainforest tributary stream Fish sample collection located west of the lower reaches of the Fish samples were collected and preserved system. It drains a catchment in 10% diluted formaldehyde solution in area of 516.5 km2 (76.5 km2 or 14.8% of well-labelled containers to reduce which is liable to annual flooding). The microbial digestion to the minimum total length of the main channel (between (Fagade, 1983, Fagade and Olaniyan, its source in and discharge point into 1973). All preserved samples were the Cross River creek at Nwaniba) is 53.5 removed from the formaldehyde solution, km. The Cross River finally empties into rinsed in clean water and placed slanting the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, the with the mouth down to drain out excess lower Ikpa River experiences tidal effect fluid for about 5- 10 minutes prior as manifested in many marine (euryhaline) identification. Specimens were identified intrusive species (Udoidiong and King, to family level with the aid of 2000). Paddled canoes are landed during identification keys by FAO/UN(1970), the high tide for the women who offloaded Ayaji (1979), Mills et al. (1988), the catches. The stream is considerably Olaosebikan and Raji (1988), FAO(1990), shaded by overhanging canopy of riparian Teugels et al. (1992), Edwards et al. vegetation (mostly Elaeis guineensis, (2001), Idodo-Umeh (2005) and Adesulu Pandanus, Raphia hookeri, R. vinifera and and Syneden (2007). other tropical forest trees). The aquatic Personal observations and interviews with macrophytes are mainly Nymphaea, the fishers helped to provide some Vossia, Utricularia and Musanga crinium information about the socioeconomic species. Climate of the area is typical of situation of the fishers and their personal tropical rain forests: it comprises dry perception on the state of the fishery. (November – March) and wet (April – These were subsequently subjected to October) seasons (King, 1989; Teugels et simple descriptive statistics and ranking by al., 1992; Udoidiong and King, 2000). quantification analysis (Tafida et al., Ifiayong fish landing site is a local small 2009). village market with small, low, open shades built with bamboo (Raphia sp.) RESULTS leaves, wooden pillars and two abandoned Fishery resources of Ifiayong concrete blocks with zinc roof. The market Thirty-two finfish families of commercial, is neglected and uncared for, with very food and economic importance were poor sanitary condition, overgrown weeds, landed at Ifiayong namely: mormyridae, offensive odour from putrefying organic mochokidae, bagridae, malapterururidae, matter, indiscriminate refuse dump and lutjanidae, ariidae, anabantidae, human wastes. Foodstuffs and goods sold carangidae, centropomidae, channidae, at the market include smoked iced-fish, characidae, cichlidae, citharinidae, stockfish heads, coconuts, groundnuts, dry clarridae, clupeidae, cynoglossidae, pepper, palm oil, meat, afang (Gnetum), cyprinidae, distichodontidae, eleotridae, editan (Lasianthera), bitter leaf, clothings elopidae, gobiidae, hepsetidae, (wrappers, rubber slippers, fairly used icthyboridae, monodactylidae, mugilidae, dresses) and provisions (from only one notopteridae, polynemidae, pomadasidae, store). When water inundates the marginal scaenidae, schilbeidae, soleidae and farmlands during the peak of the rainy sphyraenidae. Seven commercially season, farm produce such as cocoyam, important freshwater shellfishes identified cassava, pepper, okra, garden-eggs, included freshwater clam, crabs, pumpkin and water yam are harvested and periwinkles and shrimps. Three turtles sold at a very cheap cost. (reptiles) were also seen among the catches landed at Ifiayong. The fisheries resources

ISSN: 1117-3149 PROCEEDINGS OF FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) ASCON, BADAGRY 25th-29th OCTOBER 2010 FSN-PW 0011 651 Women’s Participation In Lower Ikpa River Fisheries Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: A Case Study Of Ifiayong FISON EKO 2010 observed show a high endemic piscine as well as religious beliefs, majority of the richness of freshwater families. Seventeen women in Sokoto were not engaged in (17) of the 25 fish families earlier reported outdoor activities; fisheries being by Udoidiong and King (2000) in a study inclusive. The involvement of Ifiayong of five streams/rivers (Ikpa River women are as:- inclusive), were encountered in this study Transporters to confirm the species richness of this site. When the fishers landed with their catches Since rivers serve as feeding, spawning together with other farm produce, the and nursery habitat for freshwater and female loaders (transporters) wade through some marine intrusive species, they the water to the sides of boat and offload contribute to fish recruitment into coastal them into large basins. These are brought fisheries and form an important part of to the stalls where they were poured on the freshwater fisheries of the Cross, Qua Iboe well-swept bare floor. For their labours, and Imo Rivers (Teugels et al., 1992; they were paid an agreed amount of money Udoidiong and King, 2000). Moses (1987) together with a small part of the landings. and Essen (1990) also reported of the Sorters presence of some shellfishes in the Cross This group of women wait at the stalls for River system to include freshwater clam catches to be delivered, thereafter; they (Egeria radiata), periwinkle sort the catch into species and sizes into (Pachymelania brachyiatus), shrimp prospective buyers´ basins or onto the (Macrobranchium vollenhevenii), Atya floor, with the help of the fishers. They are gabonensis, pink shrimp (Penaeus paid in kind with some of the catch. notialis). Processors The bagridae had established firmly and These are mainly fishers’ wives, female can neither be classified as fresh, brackish children, their grandchildren and other nor marine fishes (Udoidiong and King, women who are involved in descaling, 2000). The bagrid fish Chrysichthys gutting, spine removal, washing and popularly known as “inaha” is of special staking (in long or small sticks) before interest in at this landing site and to the smoke-drying over smoking kilns. They people of the State. It is fished using long are paid in kind with some of the catch and line gear and landed in large quantities commission after sales. (Moses, 1979; 1983). It is harvested Financiers throughout the year, but the main season is These women have good financial April to September (1983, 1987; Essen standing, buy fishing inputs (such as 1990). The “inaha” fishers are all males fishing nets, traps, canoes, lanterns, since the lower Ikpa River is quite deep foodstuffs, etc.) and supply to the fishers. due to dredging. Nwabeze et al. (2009) Depending on the agreement, the catches also observed that a majority of the fishers on landing belong to the financiers in were males. (women) who thereafter, sell some and Women participation in fisheries share some with the fishers. Alternately, activities the fisher sells the catches to the financiers Fig. 1 shows the involvement of Ifiayong (women) at very low cost, whole make women in fisheries transactions as huge gains re-selling to the wholesalers transporting, marketing and distributing and retailers at a higher profit margin. fish/goods to consumers, confirming the Distributors and marketers reports of Alamu (1999); Williams (2006); This duty is performed by wholesalers and Shinkafi (2007); Agbontale (2009); Usman retailers in the fishery. Individual et al., (2009). However, Shinkafi (2007) consumers are prevented from buying observed that due to socio-cultural directly from the fishers. The catch passes through a marketing chain from the fisher

ISSN: 1117-3149 PROCEEDINGS OF FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) ASCON, BADAGRY 25th-29th OCTOBER 2010 FSN-PW 0011 652 Ekpo, I. E. & Udoh, J. P. FISON EKO 2010 to the wholesalers and retailers who buyer gives them little amount of money sometimes were more than one or two. as a commission). Middlemen do not have Some wholesalers buy the fish and re-sell title to the products but receive a fee for to the retailers and consumers in the same expediting the exchange. Their functions market; others take the fish to yet other include maintaining contacts with buyers, village markets. Retailers also hawk some negotiating a price, delivery, transfer of fresh fish in basins around villages, title, providing credits/collections, markets and offices. Some make supplies servicing of products and other services, to customers in hotels, restaurants and rich product inventory/storage and arranging families in and outside the State. transportation. Women in this research Usman et al., (2009) classified the were observed to operate as middlemen as marketing intermediaries (middlemen) into well as perform other important roles as 2 groups: selling brokers (who are fishers gear construction, fish catch, fishmongers, with commission, lending money to other concern citizens of healthy living and fishers and providing security for the organizers of the end-use of the fishery unsold fish) and buying brokers (who resource (Francis and Ibim, 2009; Ogah et assist those that want to buy fish while the al., 2009).

Producers(Fishers) Table 1: Socio-economic status of women in fisheries in Ifiayong along Ikpa River, Nigeria Parameters Fo % O Parameters Fo % O Transporters 1. Language 4. Marital status

Efik 40 42.55 Single 14 14.89

Ibibio 19 20.21 Married 26 27.66 Sorters Pidgin English 35 37.24 Divorced 8 8.51 Total 94 100 Widow 10 10.64

Polygamous 36 38.30 Processors 2. Age (years) 16 – 25 6 6.38 5. Family size (no of individuals) 26 – 35 16 17.02 0 – 5 8 8.51 Financiers 36 – 45 24 25.53 6 – 10 25 26.60

46 – 55 34 36.17 11 – 15 45 47.87

Marketers and Distributors 56 – 65 4 4.27 16 – above 16 17.02 66 – 75 8 8.51 6. Financial inputs (N000) ≥ 76 2 2.12 ≤ N 10 4 4.26 Wholesalers and Retailers Total 94 100 N 11 – 20 22 23.40 3. Educational level N 21 – 30 12 12.77 Consumers Non-formal 5 5.32 N 31 – 40 6 6.38 Standard/Primary 30 31.91 N 41 – 50 28 29.79

Fig.1: Flow chart showing Secondary 19 20.21 N 51 – 60 14 14.89 women’s participation in fisheries Dropouts 40 42.56 ≥ N 61 8 8.51 activities at Ifiayong, Ikpa River, Average 94 100 Average 94 100 Nigeria Fo = Frequency of occurrence (no of individuals)

% O = Percent occurrence

ISSN: 1117-3149 PROCEEDINGS OF FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) ASCON, BADAGRY 25th-29th OCTOBER 2010 FSN-PW 0011 653 Women’s Participation In Lower Ikpa River Fisheries Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: A Case Study Of Ifiayong FISON EKO 2010

Status of the women in fisheries rate of polygamous marital status. This is The socio-economic status of women occasioned by the fact that as children are participating in fisheries transactions in born into the family, they learn the trade Ifiayong landing site is summarized in (fisheries) of the parents, become adapted Table 1. Table 1 shows that most of the to the rural standard of living, do not women communicated in 40 attend (or manage to attend) Primary (42.55%), followed by pidgin (broken) School and marry. Majority of the English 35 (37.24%) and women (29.79%) employ N 41,000.00 to (19; 20.21%) was the least frequently used N 50,000.00 in the trade. language. This is so because the fishers are Problems encountered by the women believed to have been riverine descendants The problems faced by the participating from who had settled at Uruan due women in fisheries in this area were multi- to migration and marriage. Their forbears faceted with various manifestations in Calabar are popularly known as the (DFID/FAO, 2004; Wara et al., 2007; Efiks and speak Efik as their mother Tafida et al., 2009). There were also tongue. The most active age group of the specific problems of illiteracy, lack of co- women participating in fisheries enterprise operative societies, lack of financial at Ifiayong landing site was 46-55 years assistance from government, financial (34; 36.17%). This agrees with the houses and individuals; poor sanitary observation of Nwabeze et al., (2009) that conditions, lack of storage facilities and women of this age group are economically infra-structural amenities like medical active and independent and have the attention, pipe-borne water, cold stores, potentials to sustain and withstand the etc.. Others are lack of fisheries extension dynamism of fisheries. The other age services, lack of capital and credit facilities groups in order of descending frequencies and lack of Government presence. In are 36-45, 26-35, 66-75, 16-25, 56-65 and addition to these, Ogah et al. (2009) 76 years and above, as the least group. identified the major constraints of women The educational attainments of the women to be non-involvement in the decision ranged from those with no formal making, some cultural practices and no education at all to those with Secondary organized markets. School Certificate: 5.32 - 31.91%. Proffered solutions and Majority of the women are Secondary recommendations School drop-outs (42.56%) implying that Considering the contributions of these the fisheries here was considered a women and the significance of the dumping ground for illiterates or for fisheries of Ifiayong landing site, there is people who were not able to make it in need for: academics. This is opposed to the findings  Intervention programmes by the of Nwabeze et al. (2006) in which the State and Local Governments with majority of the fishers had tertiary the view of generating revenues. education which enabled positive  An adult education centre/migrant responses towards improved techniques. fishermen school should be The women were mostly from polygamous established. families (38.30%) and married (27.66%).  The fisheries should be re- Few were single (14.89%), widows organised with the community (10.64%) and divorced (8.51%). The involvement in the administration, family sizes of the women in fisheries as especially with a Fishers depicted in Table 1 shows they maintain Cooperative in place. large families of 11-15 persons per family  Sanitary and health inspectors (47.87%) while the least was 0-5 persons should engage the community in (8.51%). Riverine inhabitants are lovers of general health/sanitation large family sizes as evidenced in the high campaigns.

ISSN: 1117-3149 PROCEEDINGS OF FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) ASCON, BADAGRY 25th-29th OCTOBER 2010 FSN-PW 0011 654 Ekpo, I. E. & Udoh, J. P. FISON EKO 2010

 Fisheries extension services waters. NIOMR Occational Paper. targeting women should be No.25. extended to the community. Alamu, S. O. 1999: The role of women in  In order to control and manage the artisanal fish production in Jebba fisheries at a sustainable level, Lake area. NIFFRI Annual Report, there is an urgent need for New Bussa, pp. 61. statistical data documentation of DFID/FAO, 2004: Sustainable fisheries the fisheries. A fisheries data livelihoods programme (SELP): A collection desk officer should be participatory rural appraisal of engaged. Tatabu fishing community, Niger  There should be provisions of State, Nigeria. social and infra-structural NIFFER/GEP/INT/735/UK. Vol. amenities and financial assistance 9:17-18. or provision of subsidies to help Edwards, A. J.; Anthony, C. G.; boost outputs. Abohweyere, P. O. 2001: A  More stalls should be built with revision of Irvine’s Marine Fishes tables for the display of catches. of Tropical West Africa. Darwin Initiative Report 2, Ref. 162/7/451. CONCLUSION 157p The fisheries resources landed at Ifiayong Essen, A. A. 1990: Review of fisheries show a high biodiversity in terms of resources of Akwa Ibom State. richness and economic importance. It can Trans. Nig. Soc. Biol. Conserv. 1: be sustained for generations, if developed, 116-129. conserved and properly managed. The Fagade, S. O. 1983: The food and feeding women are the livewire of this site. They habits of the fishes of lower River are gainfully employed as co-labourers and Benue (Nigeria). Bulletin de bring food, income and happiness to their I’I.F.A.N. 45: 316 – 341. families, thereby raising the standard of Fagade, S. O.; Olaniyan, C. I. O. 1973: livelihood. The constraints are however The food and feeding enormous but surmountable; requiring the interrelationship of the fishes in the urgent intervention of the government, Lagos Lagoon. J. Fish. Biol. 5: community, corporate bodies and 205-225. individuals. FAO 1990: Field guide to the commercial marine resources of the gulf of REFERENCES Guinea. FAO species identification Adesulu, E. A.; Syneden, D. H. J. 2007: sheets for fishery purposes Rome, The freshwater fishes and fisheries pp 268. of Nigeria. Macmillian Nigerian FAO/UN 1970: Report to the Government Publishers’ Ltd. Nigeria. of Nigeria on Fishery Agbontale, O. 2009: Motivational factors Investigations on the Niger and responsible for women Benue Rivers in the Northern involvement in fish processing and region and development of a marketing around Lake Kainji. programme of Riverine fishery Proceedings of the 24th annual management and training. Based conference of FISON held on 26th- on the work of M. P. Motwani – 28th October 2009, Akure. Vol. 1: Rept FAO/UNDP (TA) 2771, 57-60. 196pp. Ajayi, T. O. 1979: Notes on the Francis, A.; Ibim, A. T. 2009: Women and identification of marine fishes sustainable fisheries exploitation. th found in the Nigerian coastal Proceedings of the 24 annual conference of FISON held on 26th-

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ISSN: 1117-3149 PROCEEDINGS OF FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) ASCON, BADAGRY 25th-29th OCTOBER 2010 FSN-PW 0011