The role of traditional aquaculture systems and fish in food security and livelihoods of fishing communities in two states in Nigeria

Abstract

This study has examined the role of traditional aquaculture systems and fish in food security and livelihoods of fishing communities in two states in Nigeria. The research focused on the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the aquaculture systems including social and economic conditions of farmers. The study also compared the relative importance of fish as a high quality protein source with meats in fishing communities in two states in Nigeria. Data were collected from 400 farmers with modern and traditional aquaculture systems in Niger and Lagos states using semi-structured questionnaires. Modern aquaculture consisted of small fish ponds with an average size of 0.1 ha. Liming was not widespread among farmers with fish ponds but fertilisation was done before stocking by applying fertilisers of both organic and inorganic origins. Farmers (90%) obtained their seeds from the hatcheries and the average stocking density was 5730 ha-1. Polyculture was widely practised by farmers and local feeds were used in feeding fish. Fish shelters and fish fences were the traditional aquaculture systems that were widely practised in two states in Nigeria and are poorly researched and recorded. Various materials were used in the construction of traditional aquaculture systems including branches, elephant grasses, worn out tyres, PVC pipes and clay pots and, were constructed in order to aggregate fish. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in yield of fish from fish parks and modern aquaculture systems. The study showed that fishermen prefer fishing in the vicinity of fish parks, tube shelters and fish fences because they make more catches around the installations. Cost–benefit analysis showed that traditional aquaculture systems are profitable because the level of investment required to set and maintain them is quite low compared to returns obtained from them. Fifty actively fishing and fifty non–fishing households in traditional fishing communities were randomly selected in Niger and Lagos states for fish consumption survey. A Simple scale was designed and given to each household to measure fish or meat entering the household for consumption. Intra household fish distribution and consumption was obtained by 24 hour recall method. A large number of fish species were consumed in the fishing communities confirming the relative abundance of the species in local rivers, floodplains and lagoons. Tilapia was the most consumed fish species contributing 19 and 32% by weight of the fish consumed in Niger and Lagos state, respectively. Beef was the most consumed meat followed by goat meat. The study reveals high preference for fresh fish and meat. Highest fish consumption occurred in March corresponding to period of lowest meat consumption. Traditional aquaculture systems and capture fisheries were the main sources of fish in the fishing communities contributing 85% by weight to fish consumed. Male heads of households consumed higher amount of fish than other members of the household. Average weight of fish consumed per person per day was 24 g. Fish contributed 77% to total animal protein in diet of the people and was eaten daily by fishermen thus confirming the importance of fish in the food security of fishing communities.