Nigerian Aquaculture

Advancing Aquaculture in Africa: Focus on Nigeria.

This project, supported by the Gates Foundation and managed by the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) Program of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, aims to transform aquaculture in Africa through innovative research and development approaches. The primary focus is to identify high-performing strains of Nile tilapia and African catfish, thereby improving productivity, farmer incomes and food security. This initiative will catalyze sustainable growth in African aquaculture while empowering women professionals in aquaculture education, research, and business.

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About the Project

Shaping the Future of Nigerian Aquaculture – Together

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Improved Fish Strains for Higher Yields

Tests genetically improved strains of Nile tilapia and African catfish, enhancing growth rates, survival, and harvest size—leading to more productive and profitable farms.

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Science-Based Risk Management for Sustainable Farming

Ensures responsible transfer of fish strains, promoting long-term sustainability and protecting the local environment and biodiversity through comprehensive risk assessments.

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Capacity Building for Farmers and Stakeholders

Supports training and skill development in hatchery management, grow-out operations, and biosecurity—empowering Nigerian fish farmers, especially youth and women, to adopt best practices and increase efficiency.

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Support for Small-Scale and Women Farmers

Boosts the socio-economic standing of smallholder farmers and enhances gender equity in the aquaculture value chain by addressing barriers to technology access and encouraging inclusive participation.

5

Data-Driven Decision-Making for Policy and Investment

Generates vital data and insights to guide national policy, attract private investment, and improve aquaculture planning and outcomes in Nigeria through farm surveys, market studies, and performance benchmarking.
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Years of History

Aquaculture in Nigeria has a history dating back over 70 years. It began in the 1950s, with early government-led initiatives focused on fish farming for food security and rural development. The first fish farms were established to support inland fish production, particularly in response to declining capture fisheries. The industry has evolved significantly since then, especially from the 1980s onward, with increasing private sector participation, research on African catfish and tilapia, and the development of hatcheries, feed mills, and training programs. Today, Nigeria is the largest producer of farmed fish in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NIGERIAN ADVANTAGE

Nigeria’s Aquaculture Industry: A Dynamic Hub of Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity

Aquaculture Leader in Sub-Saharan Africa
Nigeria is the top aquaculture producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, with catfish and tilapia dominating inland fish farming.
Catfish the Cornerstone of Local Production
African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is Nigeria’s most widely farmed species, supported by strong domestic demand and market familiarity.
Expanding Tilapia Farming and Strain Improvement
Tilapia production is growing steadily, with increasing investments in improved strains and hatchery systems to boost yield and quality.
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Small-Scale Farmers Drive the Sector
Over 80% of Nigeria’s aquaculture farms are small- to medium-scale, forming the backbone of the industry and supporting rural livelihoods.
Women Play Vital Roles Across the Value Chain
Women are actively engaged in aquaculture—from hatcheries and grow-out ponds to processing and marketing—despite facing barriers to access resources and training.
Rising Demand Spurs Innovation and Private Investment
Growing urban populations and changing dietary habits are fueling aquaculture expansion, attracting private-sector interest in feed, genetics, and technology.
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of Fish Demand vs 1.2 Million Tons Production
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Tons of Aquaculture Production
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Kg/year Percapita Fish Consumption
1 M
Fishers Directly Involved

African Aquaculture is a project support by a grant received from the Gates Foundation and implemented by the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) Program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).

Contact Info

Monday - Friday : 7:30 -16:30
+66 25245489
aarm@ait.ac.th

Office Address

Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM),
Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FFANR),
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT),
PO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120
Thailand.