This study examined structural constraints, livelihood diversification behaviour, and welfare outcomes among artisanal fishing households along the Shiroro and Kainji dam systems in Nigeria, using data obtained from 300 respondents. The study employed factor analysis, the Simpson Diversification Index, and Tobit regression analysis to achieve its objectives. The results revealed that economic and financial constraints were the most severe, particularly lack of access to credit (72.7%), high cost of fishing gear (72.0%), and inadequate capital (71.0%). Institutional constraints such as limited extension services (52.7%) and weak cooperatives (46.3%) were moderate, while environmental constraints including water fluctuations (36.3%) and climate variability (36.3%) were relatively less severe. The findings further indicated a very high level of livelihood diversification, with a Simpson Diversification Index of 0.955, reflecting extensive engagement in multiple livelihood activities such as arable farming (59.3%), poultry production (50.2%), livestock rearing (45.9%), petty trading (26.5%), and other non-farm enterprises. Results from the Tobit regression model (Pseudo R² = 0.601) showed that household size (β = 0.013), education (β = 0.019), access to credit (β = 0.079), extension contact (β = 0.061), and asset ownership (β = 0.052) had positive and statistically significant effects on livelihood diversification. In contrast, fishing experience (β = -0.004), distance to market (β = -0.010), infrastructure constraints (β = -0.085), and security challenges (β = -0.069) exerted significant negative influences, while age had no significant effect. Principal factor analysis identified four key welfare dimensions economic welfare, access to services, food security, and asset ownership with strong factor loadings for income (0.82), access to services (0.80), nutrition (0.85), and assets (0.88), confirming the multidimensional nature of welfare among the households. The study concludes that although artisanal fishing households operate under severe structural constraints, they exhibit high levels of livelihood diversification, which significantly enhances income stability and welfare outcomes. The study recommends improved access to affordable credit, strengthening of extension services and cooperative institutions, investment in rural infrastructure and market systems, and the promotion of climate-adaptive fisheries management strategies to enhance sustainable livelihoods and long-term development outcomes.Top of FormBottom of Form 

Keywords: Artisanal fisheries, Structural constraints, Livelihood diversification, Simpson Index, Household welfare, Shiroro Dam, Kainji Dam, Nigeria.