The project aims to identify biologically, economically, and socially compatible strains of tilapia and catfish that are best suited to Nigeria’s diverse aquaculture environments. It also seeks to bridge critical skill gaps in the sector through targeted training programs, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth. Additionally, the project will generate robust, field-based data to support evidence-driven policymaking and promote sustainable aquaculture practices across Nigeria and the broader Sub-Saharan African region.

The project places a strong emphasis on advancing gender equity in the Nigerian aquaculture sector by actively identifying and addressing barriers to women’s participation. A comprehensive gender analysis will be conducted across the tilapia and catfish value chains to uncover systemic constraints as well as opportunities for greater inclusion of women in aquaculture enterprises. In addition to ensuring equal representation of women in all training programs and research activities, the project will provide targeted support to enhance their technical and leadership capacities. As part of this commitment, a select group of Nigerian women scholars will be sponsored to pursue doctoral studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), focusing on areas such as fish genetic performance and gender dynamics within the aquaculture value chain. Through these efforts, the project aims to build a pipeline of empowered women leaders and researchers who will contribute meaningfully to the transformation and sustainability of aquaculture in Nigeria.