In April 2025, the AIT-African Aquaculture Project launched a mini-farm survey to evaluate the tilapia culture systems currently practiced in Nigeria. This survey targets a wide range of stakeholders involved in aquaculture production including hatchery owners, nursery operators, grow-out farmers, farm workers, and farmer associations.

The objective is to gather detailed information on the technical, economic, and operational practices in tilapia farming. Key areas of data collection include:

• Type of culture systems and facilities used: Monoculture vs. Polyculture, pond vs. cage systems.
• Stocking and harvesting patterns and strategies: Tilapia strains, sources, stocking densities, harvesting strategies (single/ multiple).
• Culture period and yields: Harvest size, survival rate, and farm-gate prices.
• Pond preparation and water management: Including aeration, sediment control, and liming practices.
• Feed and feeding regimes: Feed types, sources, feeding rates, and methods.
• Health and biosecurity practices: Disease inspection, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• Marketing strategies: Market types, transportation, packaging, and buyer preferences for traits such as body size and fish flavour.

This survey will provide a foundational understanding of the production systems used by tilapia farmers in Nigeria and inform future interventions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Data from this survey will feed into the broader goals of improving aquaculture practices and building resilience across the tilapia value chain.

Stay tuned to www.asianaquaculture.org for updates on tilapia research as part of this project.