This study examined the fish management skills among fish farmers in the Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State, to evaluate the benefits, constraints, and management strategies used in their fish farming operations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a well-structured questionnaire distributed to 48 fish farmers. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean score. The findings indicate that 85.4% of respondents were male, and a large proportion (81.3%) had secondary or tertiary education, reflecting a well-educated demographic. The fish farmers in the study area exhibited high proficiency in key management skills, with 85.4% excelling in habitat management, 87.5% adopting quarantine and vaccination strategies for diseasecontrol, and 89.6% utilising feed additives to enhance fish growth. However, significant constraints such as poor infrastructure (100% of respondents), lack of government support (100%), and market volatility (100%) were identified, which severely impede their productivity. Despite these challenges, 91.7% of farmers reported that their skilled management practices contributed to maintaining optimal fish health and environmental conditions, while 89.6% noted higher profitability through effective resource utilisation. The study concludes that while fish farmers in the area have strong management skills, addressing systemic issues such as training, infrastructure, and market access is essential for further growth. The research reveals the need for policy interventions to improve financial support,training programs, and market infrastructure to boost the sustainability and profitability of the fish farming sector.
Appah et al. (Wed,) studied this question.