Abstract
The study focused on rural women’s oyster (Crassostrea gasia) post-harvest
activities in Kalabari kingdom of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 90
women were purposively selected from the area. Data were collected
through the use of interview schedule. Data were analyzed using
frequency, percentage, mean scores, ordinary least square (OLS) multiple
regression and cost-revenue ratio. Findings show that majority (35.7%)
were between 31 -40years, were married (47.7%), had formal education
(76.2%), had an income level between N26,000 – N39,000 (33.3%), and
household size of 5-8 persons(37.3%) and have been in oyster harvesting
activities between 11-15 years (33.3%). Levels of women involvement in
oyster harvesting were: removing oyster shells and selling ( =2.93),
cutting oysters from mangrove tree ( =2.82) and roasting of oysters as a
means of preservation ( =2.60). Oyster harvesting from mangrove (whole
sale) had highest profit of N45, 500 per week. The major constraints to
Oyster harvesting were low fund ( =2.82), water pollution by oil activity
( =2.92) and water pollution by human activity ( =2.60). The study
recommends that water pollution by oil and human activities should be
tackled by the government by monitoring illegal processing of crude oil in
the area.