Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Small-scale fish farming plays a crucial role in the economy of Edo State, Nigeria. This study aims to explore the problems and prospects faced by small-scale fish farmers in the state. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with fish farmers in various locations within Edo State. The findings indicate that small-scale fish farmers in the state encounter several challenges, including limited access to capital for expansion, inadequate technical knowledge, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government support. Despite these challenges, the study also highlights several prospects for small-scale fish farmers in Edo State, such as increasing demand for fish products, opportunities for value addition, and the potential for improved market access through the use of modern technology. The study concludes by offering recommendations to address the identified problems and leverage the prospects for small-scale fish farmers in Edo State, including the need for targeted financial assistance, capacity building programs, infrastructure development, and policy support from the government. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the current state of small-scale fish farming in Edo State and offers practical recommendations to enhance the sector's sustainability and contribution to the state's economy.

Thesis Overview

Introduction

The story of aquaculture in Nigeria is essentially the story of catfish culture and the hope of fish supply in Nigeria hang on its development and culture. Recent trends all over the world, point to a decline in landing from capture fisheries, an indicator that fish stocks have approached or even exceeded the point of maximum sustainable yield. Aquaculture therefore remains the only viable alternative for increasing fish production in order to meet the protein need of the people. Catfishes of the family Claridae comprise the most commonly cultivated fishes in Nigeria. The growth of aquaculture in Nigeria now is largely being boosted by a steady rise in catfish culture. Inadequate availability of seed for stocking and feed used to be major problems. Tremendous progress is now being made. The total value of the industry today is US$800 from the value of fingerlings, feed and farmed fish. Since the culture of Clarias gariepinus through hypophysation was initiated in Western Nigeria in 1973, the procedure has been widely practiced throughout Nigeria thus leading to increase of farm-raised catfishes from the 80’s to date. The favoured catfish species in Nigeria aquaculture include: gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Clarias, Heterobranchus hybrid (Heteroclarias) and Clarias, nigrodigitatus. Heterobranchus sp. is the more commonly cultured fish in the south eastern parts of Nigeria. African catfish is popular in the market and has great potentials to boost the rapidly growing Nigerian aquaculture.