Rapid Reconnaissance of the Fish Value Chain in Nigeria
DOWNLOADMay 22, 2023 - Ming Fang, Ayuba Gona, Sunday Norbert, Mayomi Taiwo, Olawale Olunuga, Robert Onyeneke, Mark Amadi, Chukwuemeka Emenekwe, Ben Belton, Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, and Ayala Wineman
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• In mid-2022, RSM2SNF conducted a rapid reconnaissance of the fish value chain in Ebonyi, Kebbi,
and Oyo states. In total, 148 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from nano,
micro, small, and medium scale enterprises.
• The fish subsector has expanded in recent years. This reflects rising demand that stems from income
growth and changing diets and is sometimes facilitated by government investment in infrastructure.
• Many products in the value chain are imported, including frozen fish and industrially-produced fish feed.
• The experiences of value chain actors vary considerably across states. While fish farming is common in
Ebonyi and Oyo, capture fishing is common in Kebbi. Kebbi’s distance from the coast means that feed
is locally produced rather than imported.
• The depletion of wild fish stock is a widespread challenge and is partly attributed to agrochemical runoff
and water pollution. Poor water quality in Ebonyi limits the establishment of hatcheries for fish seed.
• Food safety is a concern throughout the value chain: Fish farmers use unregulated substances in fish
production, and processing is done with little consideration for hygiene or contamination.
