IMPACT OF WEATHER CHANGES ON FISH CATCH AND SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES IN DOWNSTREAM KAINJI LAKE, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper investigated the impact of weather changes on fish catch and seasonal distribution of species in downstream of Kainji Lake, Niger State. The study utilised structural questionnaire to elicit information from the people using systematic sampling procedure. Linear regression and simple descriptive statistic was used in the analysis of the data. Result showed that weather changes have impacted on fish catch and species distribution in the study area. The impact ranges from reduction in quality of fish catch, harvesting and post harvesting practices. Analysis of rainfall and temperature data shows an increased trend in the rainfall pattern with R2 value of 0.0424 while the pattern of temperature distribution showed a fluctuating trend with R2 value of 0.0654. Result further indicated that species catch varied with season as more fish are caught during wet season. The study discovered are that 80% of Cichilledeagalileus are caught in dry season and 95% Distichodusrostratus caught in wet season. The use of obsolete fishing equipment and techniques, seasonal variation in species distribution and flooding were identified as the major challenges facing fishing communities in the study area. The study recommended that fish farmers need alternative ways of diversifying their socio-economic activities. Also, that government should empower the fish farmers with modern equipment and techniques that will reduce risk and improve their safety