FAO, UI collaborate to strengthen aquaculture value chains in Nigeria

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), FISH4ACP and the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan have entered into a partnership to strengthen aquaculture value chains in Nigeria through farm-based research and innovation.

The collaboration, according to the three organisations, is to propel the global FISH4ACP initiative, a sustainable aquaculture project implemented across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

As part of the partnership, the FAO-FISH4ACP Initiative and the University of Ibadan, Eriwe Cluster Farmer, Fedox farm and University of Ibadan fish farm completed farm -based research on supplementation of fish meal with Black Soldier Fly Larvae in feeding of Catfish under different culture systems and water quality dynamics monitoring. At the end of the farm trials, a one-day workshop was organised to brief all stakeholders on the major findings at a farmers’ forum in Eriwe, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Farmers from Eriwe Catfish Cluster and other relevant stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain were presented with practical manuals on BSF supplementation and water quality dynamics and recommendations validated with contributions from farmers and other participants.

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Speaking at the event, on behalf of UI-FAO/FISH4CAP, the lead focal person, Professor Emmanuel Ajani, stated that the workshop was majorly put together to ensure that innovations in pond water management and BSFL feeding are translated into practice.

He noted that the event strengthens the research forum as a platform for continuous dialogue and contributes to sustainable aquaculture development in Nigeria. He informed that the Eriwe Catfish Cluster in Ogun State was selected as the pilot site, based on its scale, farmer organisation, and strategic importance to the national catfish industry. Professor B.O. Omitoyin admonished the audience to take the findings very seriously as this will facilitate profitability and sustainability of catfish farming.