African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) farming has become a popular agricultural business sector in Nigeria. This is because the species can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and to low oxygen and low salinity levels. Salinity refers to the salt content of water. And the fish matures in about six months. Nigeria is now the largest producer of catfish in the world and the livelihoods of millions depends on it.
Despite being the highest producer of African catfish, the country is still struggling to bridge the gap between consumer demand and fish supply. The country’s annual fish demand is 3.6 million metric tonnes, but only 1.2 million tonnes is produced domestically. The shortfall is usually met through importing frozen fish.
