Abstract
This paper assessed socio-economic Status of Key Actors in fish production and Value Chain Strategies for food security in Ondo State Coastal Areas, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the key actors (fishermen, fish processors and fish-marketers), Value chain strategies (production, harvesting, processing and marketing) and challenges in the study area. Both primary and secondary data were used. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Gross Margin analysis was used to determine the profitability levels. The result shows that most of the actors (67%) were between the active ages of 20-45 years.89% of the respondents/actors were married, 44% had above primary school education, All the actors (100%) had fishing experience of 10 years and above. Value chain strategies observed in the area include fortification of fishing gears, changing the time of fishing (early morning and night), 67% had no form of fish preservation while the rest 33% preserve their fish traditionally. The market suffers from several constraints, especially the high cost and variable supply of products, Poor market price of fish and fish products. It is therefore recommended that the concept of value chain should be incorporated with fish production at the artisanal level to avoid fish spoilage and wastage hence, increased profitability, food security and sustainability.
