A Comparative Analysis of the Technical Efficiency of Artisanal Fishermen affected by Oil Spill and Non-oil Spillage in Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study examined the productivity and technical efficiency of artisanal fisherman in Bayelsa State who produce in waterways affected by both crude and non-crude oil spills. The study included 200 respondents (100 from crude oil spilled areas and 100 from non-crude oil spilled areas) chosen through a multistage selection procedure using a questionnaire. The acquired data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The study's main findings were that men made up the majority of respondents (77% in both locations tested), 55% and 56% were recorded as being between the ages of 45 and 55, and 60% had completed their secondary education. In all areas, the mean years of experience ranged from 25.4 to 26.2, and the respondents' average household size was six. Significant factors influencing productivity included labour, household size, educational attainment, fishing experience, and fish processing (p < 0.05). Among them, labour, bait, and boat repairs were all negative for the crude oil spill area. Bait, boat repair, and labour were positively correlated in the non-crude oil spilled area. However, educational attainment, household size, and fishing experience were statistically significant at the p<0.05 level. The study also found that none of the artisanal fishing households attained 100% technical efficiency. All of them performed with varied degrees of efficiency. The mean, minimum, and maximum efficiency levels in places where crude oil has been spilled are 0.97, 0.80, and 1.0, respectively; in non-crude oil spilled areas, the equivalent values are 0.83, 0.00, and 1.0. The main barriers to artisanal fishing in areas affected by crude oil spills were water pollution, fish deterioration, a lack of extension services, and health concerns. This study suggests that in order to mitigate the issues and promote artisanal fishing for sustainability, government agencies, private citizens, and cooperative bodies should develop policies that improve respondent education through an enhanced extension service, thereby increasing output and making the practice more lucrative.