The study made an assessment of the aquaculture value chains in Oyo State, Nigeria in order to provide a baseline understanding of key dynamics of the sub-sector. It provided an intermediate inventory of actors in the different segments along the value chain; considered how these various segments have changed over time, geography and what has influenced these changes.
The meso analysis methodology was used for the study. In the first stage of the survey, a rapid reconnaissance survey of different actors along aquaculture value chain (hatcheries, feed mills, feed dealers, fish farmers, fish processors and marketers) were undertaken. Information was collected from individuals or group through key informant interviews or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) respectively. Based on data collected, aquaculture actors were classified as small, medium and large.
Results show that Ibadan and Oyo zones have the highest concentration of fish actors, followed by the Ogbomoso zone and Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. High cost of feed especially the imported extruded feed and domestically sourced feed ingredients are major challenges to fish farmers. Although Clarias species are well adapted to the harsh production environment, attempts to grow all male tilapia has been successful, though restricted to reservoirs and gorge by four large scale fish farms. Majority of the catfish production is rainfed, making it impossible to do more than one cycle of cropping in a year by majority of the fish farmers. Fish processing by smoking is used as strategy to overcome the low pricing of middlemen.
In order to attain the potential of fish production in Oyo State, the WorldFish Center and other relevant institutions in Oyo State have to assist to upgrade tilapia and catfish brood stock strains for production of high-quality fish seeds for small scale fish farmers to increase fish yield under better management practices