DEVELOPMENT OF AN ONLINE FISH FARMING TUTORIAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, has become an increasingly important practice in addressing food insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria, where the demand for protein-rich fish such as catfish and tilapia continues to rise. Despite its importance, many aspiring fish farmers still struggle to access proper training and reliable information on modern farming practices. Traditional training approaches, including workshops, seminars, and printed manuals, are often expensive, limited in reach, and inaccessible to farmers in rural communities. This knowledge gap frequently leads to poor farm management practices, high fish mortality rates, and low productivity, thereby discouraging many beginners. To address these challenges, this project focused on the design and implementation of an online tutorial system for fish farming, intended to provide structured, affordable, and user-friendly access to knowledge. The system was developed using the Waterfall Software Development Model, which allowed for a step-by-step process covering requirements gathering, system design, implementation, testing, and deployment. It was implemented with HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL on a WAMP Server environment, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and responsiveness across devices. The tutorial system provides modular lessons covering topics such as pond construction, stocking, feeding, water quality management, disease control, and harvesting, with integrated quizzes at the end of each module to evaluate learner progress. The system was tested using functional, usability, and performance evaluation methods, and the results showed that it achieved a 100% success rate in executing its core functions (user registration, login, content delivery, quiz execution, and result tracking). Performance metrics further indicated an average page load time of 1.5–2.5 seconds on different devices, while a preliminary usability survey involving test users recorded 85% positive feedback on system friendliness, content clarity, and ease of navigation. The significance of this project lies in its ability to bridge the gap between agriculture and digital technology by providing a scalable, cost-effective, and context-specific platform for aquaculture education. In conclusion, the system demonstrates that web-based learning can play a vital role in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills required to improve productivity, reduce mistakes, and promote sustainable fish farming practices in Nigeria