MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FISHERFOLKS IN ABDALLAWA RESERVOIR, KAITA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jaat.2026.1202.18Keywords:
Reservoir morphometry,, inland waters,, artisanal fishing,, Abdallawa Reservoir,, Policy constraintsAbstract
This study assessed the morphometric characteristics of Abdallawa Reservoir and the socio-economic characteristics of artisanal fisherfolks on the reservoir. Bathymetric surveys, GPS shoreline mapping, and geospatial analysis using ArcGIS and satellite imagery were used to determine the morphometric features of the reservoir, while structured questionnaires were administered to 50 fishermen on the reservoir to evaluate their socio-economic characteristics and the constraints faced in exploring the fishery stock in the reservoir. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data obtained from the administered questionnaire. The results showed that the reservoir covers about 2.15 km² with a shoreline length of 8.46 km and a maximum depth of 12.19 m, indicating a moderately irregular elongated basin. Water transparency ranged from 13–28 cm, reflecting a moderate turbidity. Most fishermen landing fish from the reservoir were within the economically active age group between 21 – 50 years (64%), predominantly married (92%), and mainly had Islamic education (58%). Fishing served as the main occupation for the majority (68%) of the respondents, while none of them had formal training or belonged to fishermen associations. The major constraints limiting the activities of these fishermen include limited access to credit (96%), high cost of fishing gears (94%), and lack of policy support (62%). Abdallawa Reservoir is small–medium natural crater lake with an elongated basin, moderate transparency and sufficient depth for its inland fisheries. The reservoir has fishermen who are of youthful age but constrained mainly by limited access to credit and expensive fishing gears. The findings provide baseline information on the morphometry of Abdallawa reservoir for sustainable fisheries management as well as the condition of artisanal fishermen utilising the water for socio-economic purposes.
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