Eunice Ayo-Aderele
Aquaculture is a growing industry in Nigeria, playing a crucial role in enhancing food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. As fish farming grows, so does the demand for quality feed—an essential input that directly influences productivity and profitability. However, high feed costs remain a major challenge, with expenses accounting for 60% to 70% of total production costs for many farmers.
The rising cost of fish feed is a significant concern in Nigeria, with prices surging from N3,500 per bag in 2012 to N42,000 today. Consequently, many small-scale farmers struggle to maintain profitable operations.
Recently, the Lagos State Fish Farmers Association (CAMS), Alimosho chapter, called on the government to provide urgent assistance to struggling fish farmers. Mr. Smart Okeke, the immediate past president of CAMS, emphasized that strategic government support could transform Nigeria’s fish farming sector, creating jobs and significantly contributing to economic growth.
“Targeted funding such as interest-free loans, subsidies for sustainable feed, and investments in modern processing centers could enhance Nigeria’s fish farming industry,” Mr. Smart Okeke stated.
In response to the farmers, the Lagos State Government has launched the ‘Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme’ to provide direct financial relief to farmers in the state through a 25% discount on feeds.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, at a press conference earlier in January, said the initiative will help fish farmers to sustain and improve their production levels while ensuring a steady supply of fish across markets in Lagos.
The commissioner said, “Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme will prevent further fish farm closures and mitigate food insecurity while strengthening the agricultural value chains.”
While the government initiative is commendable, truth is, the government cannot do it alone; and, WorldFish, through its Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA) project, has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.
Making Fish Feed More Affordable and Sustainable
WorldFish, through its Development And Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA) project, is playing a crucial role in supporting small-scale fish farmers in Nigeria, as well as in Zambia and Kenya.
The FASA project is addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by fish farmers: the high cost of feed. FASA focuses on developing cost-effective and sustainable fish feed solutions using locally available ingredients. By reducing dependency on expensive imported feed, small-scale farmers may be able to cut costs and improve their profit margins.
With feed being the single largest cost in fish production, affordable alternatives developed through FASA help ensure that fish farming remains viable. The project promotes the use of alternative protein sources, reducing reliance on fishmeal and contributing to environmental sustainability. As a result of the research and development it is hoped that farmers will be able to produce a lower cost feed, that still meets the nutrient requirements of the target species while protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Again, while the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Program supports 1,000 farmers weekly, with each fish farmer purchasing a maximum of 10 bags of feed (3 and 4mm) weekly, the FASA project aims to enhance the capacity of at least two stakeholder groups in each of the 3 target countries [Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya] to integrate best practices toward a more sustainable feed sector, and to adopt new knowledge on nutrient requirements of multiple improved strains of tilapia and African catfish.
Collaboration That Works
A thriving fish farming sector is not only crucial for food security but also for economic development. Increased fish production would improve protein availability for millions of Nigerians, reducing the country’s dependence on imported seafood. Additionally, expanding the industry would create employment opportunities, particularly in rural communities where fish farming is a vital source of income.
By fostering collaboration between government agencies, international organizations like WorldFish, and research initiatives such as FASA, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its aquaculture sector. With the right support, small-scale fish farmers can overcome challenges, boost production, and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous food system.
The future of Nigeria’s fish farming industry depends on sustainable solutions, innovative approaches, and strategic partnerships. With continued support from WorldFish and initiatives like FASA, fish farmers across the country can thrive and ensure long-term food security for future generations.