News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, though promising, faces challenges like water quality issues, diseases, and limited access to finance.
– To address these issues and boost the sector’s growth, experts recommend policy changes such as increased financing, training, and infrastructure development.
Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food sub-sector, now supplying over half of the fish consumed globally. In Nigeria, it contributes to food security and economic growth, and it has seen impressive growth over the past two decades.
Since 2000, the sector has grown at a rapid pace of 13.6% annually, making a significant contribution to economic development. However, recent years have witnessed stagnation.
The average Nigerian consumes about 8 kg of fish annually, a figure that is well below the global average of 21 kg. Despite this low consumption, fish remains a crucial source of animal protein, especially in remote areas, accounting for nearly 40% of the nation’s protein intake. In 2022, Nigeria’s total fisheries production reached 1.1 million tonnes, with marine, inland, and aquaculture sources contributing 36%, 36%, and 28%, respectively.
Challenges such as water quality management, disease outbreaks, and limited access to finance hinder its full potential. Therefore, to revitalise the sector, addressing these challenges and implementing innovative solutions is crucial.
To this end, Malik Folaranmi, an aquaculture expert, in an exclusive chat with this publication, shared some insights into some of the peculiar challenges associated with the sector as well as recommendations for fixing same. Also, he offers advice for potential fish farmers as a means to maximize their earnings from the venture.
7 challenges associated with aquaculture in Nigeria
According to Folaranmi, some of the challenges associated with the sector that have negatively impacted profits and yield include water quality management, disease management, feed supply and quality, market access, price fluctuations and policy issues among others.
1. Water Quality Management: Maintaining optimal water quality is crucial for fish health. Factors like pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature need to be monitored regularly. Also, poor water quality can lead to diseases and lower fish yields.
2. Disease Management: Fish are susceptible to various diseases, which can spread quickly in farm settings. Proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and disease management practices are essential but often lacking.
3. Feed Supply and Quality: The availability and cost of quality fish feed can be a significant challenge. Many farmers rely on imported feeds, which can be expensive. There is also the need for balanced nutrition to ensure healthy growth.’
4. Market Access and Price Fluctuations: Fish farmers often struggle with access to markets and face price fluctuations that can affect profitability. Building reliable distribution channels is crucial for sustainability.
5. Regulatory and Policy Issues: Inconsistent policies and regulations can create uncertainty for fish farmers. Support from the government in terms of subsidies, training, and infrastructure is often inadequate.
6. Limited Access to Finance: Many fish farmers lack access to credit and financing options, which limits their ability to invest in better technologies, equipment, and expansion.’
7. Skill and Knowledge Gap: There is often a lack of technical knowledge and training among fish farmers, which can lead to poor farming practices and low yields.
Effectively, Folaranmi opines that solving these issues is key to achieving better, more sustainable practices for the overall benefit of the sector.
Policy recommendations to boost Nigeria’s aquaculture industry
Additionally, the fisheries expert advocates key policy changes to boost the earning potential of the sector. These include easier access to financing, training and capacity building for fish farmers, as well as the provision of subsidies and incentives.
- Access to Financing: Establishing grants, low-interest loans, and credit facilities specifically for fish farmers can help them invest in better technologies, quality feed, and infrastructure. This financial support can also encourage new entrants into the aquaculture industry.
- Training and Capacity Building: The government can organize training programs and workshops to equip fish farmers with modern aquaculture practices, disease management, and sustainable farming techniques. Collaborations with universities and research institutions can enhance knowledge transfer.
- Subsidies and Incentives: Providing subsidies for fish feed, equipment, and hatchery services can lower production costs for farmers. Tax incentives for businesses investing in aquaculture can also stimulate growth in the sector.
- Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and cold storage facilities can enhance market access for fish farmers and reduce post-harvest losses. Investments in research facilities for aquaculture can drive innovation and efficiency.
- Regulatory Framework: Establishing clear and consistent regulations that promote sustainable practices while protecting the environment can help build trust and attract international investors. This includes guidelines on fish farming practices, biosecurity measures, and environmental protection.
- Market Development: The government can facilitate access to both local and international markets by supporting trade fairs, exhibitions, and export initiatives. Creating a branding strategy for Nigerian fish products can also enhance their visibility and appeal globally.
- Research and Development: Investing in research to develop disease-resistant fish strains, improve feed formulation, and identify sustainable farming practices can significantly boost productivity and competitiveness.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships between the government and private sector can lead to innovative solutions and investments in the aquaculture sector. These collaborations can help in technology transfer and scaling up successful practices.
Leveraging technology for a sustainable future
Meantime, Folaranmi reveals that the introduction of certain new technology can prove beneficial for the sector as well as for its numerous stakeholders.
“New technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Aquaponics, and automated feeding systems can revolutionise Nigerian fish farming. These technologies can improve water quality, increase yields, and reduce waste,” he mentioned.
Additionally, genetic improvement, drone technology, and mobile apps can enhance efficiency and management practices. Blockchain technology can also boost transparency in the supply chain, while bioremediation can reduce environmental impact.
“The time it takes to see returns on a fish farming investment varies based on factors like fish species and farming method,” the fishing expert added. “Initial setup can take weeks to months, and the growing period ranges from 6-8 months for tilapia and catfish to 12-18 months for Nile perch.”
He explained that farmers typically start seeing returns within one to two years and effective management can lead to continuous production and stable income.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with increasing food demand and environmental challenges, aquaculture offers a sustainable solution.
To this end, it is imperative that stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and farmers, work together to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.
Therefore, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry is possible with the implementation of the recommendations above, as well as the adoption of innovative technologies.
