Development of a Sustainable Fish-Farming Value Chain Model for Food Security, Poverty Reduction, and Employment Generation in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.048Keywords:
Aquaculture Value Chain, Sustainable Fish Farming, Food Security, Kaduna Metropolis, Poverty ReductionAbstract
This study investigates the current state, challenges and opportunities of fish farming in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria, to develop a sustainable fish-farming value chain model. By using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 300 stakeholders, including fish farmers, traders, processors and policymakers, through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The findings reveal that a youthful, educated workforce (40% tertiary educated) faces significant barriers: limited credit access (89%), high input costs (80%), and inadequate extension services (70%). Despite these challenges, aquaculture output increased by 237% from 2009 to 2025, with labor productivity increasing by 549%. Regression analysis revealed credit access as the strongest profitability predictor (β=0.45, p=0.001). The study concluded that the sector has demonstrated notable growth driven by technological innovation, with aquaculture output increasing substantially in recent years. This study underscores the critical need for integrated policy support, infrastructure development, capacity building, and environmental management to realize Nigeria’s aquaculture potential. The proposed model aims to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and foster employment, contributing to Kaduna’s socioeconomic development.
References
Abdullahi, A., Li, X., He, J., Song, C., Chinedu, D., & Li, H. (2025). The current situation and historical progression of fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria: Strength, weaknesses, challenges and future prospects for investors. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 13(6), 45-54.
Abdullahi, J., Tanko, A. S., & Samaila, I. (2025). Assessment of Urban Expansion in Parts of Kaduna Metropolis and Its Driving Factors. Kaduna Journal of Geography, 7(1), 197-208. https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2025.07.01.022
Abubakar, M., Dogo, B., & Abubakar, A. J. (2025). Socioeconomic Determinants and Patterns of Charcoal Utilization Among Urban Dwellers in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 9(12), 94-103. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4417
Adam, R. I., Njogu, L. G., Ouko, K. O., Rajaratnam, S., Adeleke, L., Ogunya, L., ... & Fregene, B. (2025). Unveiling gender dynamics and disparities in the aquaculture value chain: evidence from Ogun and Delta States, Nigeria. Aquaculture International, 33(5), 343. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-025-01966-1
Akpabio, U. E. (2013). An assessment of the aquaculture sector in Nigeria. Journal of Aquatic Science, 28(2), 147–155.
Bello, N., Garba, H., & Ako, A. A. (2025). Rainfall and Temperature Trends in Kaduna North and Their Implications for Water Resources. UMYU Scientifica, 4(2), 285-297. https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2542.028
CGIAR. (2024, November 21). Setting a course for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria: Highlights from the National Policy Validation Workshop. CGIAR News.
Chukwu, V., Agwu, S., Enyigwe, J., Isu, A., Agbom, M., & Elechi, F. (2025). Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Feed Preference among Fish Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 30(1), 228–239. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v30i1.26 s
Cochran, W.G. (1977) Sampling Techniques. 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. L. P. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Duniya, S. S. (2026). Economics Analysis and Determinants of Profitability of Catfish Farming in Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Kaduna Journal of Geography, 8(1), 181-186.
Ekunwe, P. A., & Emokaro, C. O. (2009). Technical efficiency of catfish farmers in Kaduna, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 5(7), 802-805.
Elenwo, E., & Akankali, J. (2014). Impact of climate change on aquatic fauna of economic importance in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, 4(4), 710-720. http://doi.org/10.4236/acs.2014.44064
FAO. (2016). The state of the world's fisheries and aquaculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO. (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 – Blue Transformation in Action. Rome: FAO.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2015). National aquaculture policy. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (2025). Blue Economy Ministry, NIPSS Partner to Accelerate Fish Production, Cut Nigeria’s 2.2 m MT Deficit. Retrieved from https://fmino.gov.ng/blue-economy-ministry-nipss-partner-to-accelerate-fish-production-cut-nigerias-2-2 m-mt-deficit/
Grema, H. A., Kwaga, J. K., Bello, M., & Umaru, O. H. (2020). Understanding fish production and marketing systems in northwestern Nigeria and identification of potential food safety risks using value chain framework. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 181, 105038. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105038
Ibikunle, F., Ndukwe, N. C., Omole, V. I., Ogunleye, O. A., & Ogunkeyede, A. N. (2025). Roles of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research Library in Providing Effective Library Services to Users. International Journal of Librarianship, 10(3), 81–88.
Issa, F. O., Aderinoye-AbdulWahab, S., & Kagbu, J. H. (2022). Assessment of aquaculture development programmes in Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 26(1), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v26i1.2
Mabou, A. (2018). An analysis of the aquaculture value chain in Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 69(2), 329–343.
National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Aquaculture in Nigeria: A review of the sector. National Bureau of Statistics.
Ogunji, J., & Wuertz, S. (2022). Aquaculture Development in Nigeria: The Second Biggest Aquaculture Producer in Africa. Water, 15(24), 4224. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15244224
Ogunleye, A., & Akinbobola, A. (2020). Enhancing fish value chains for poverty reduction in Nigeria. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 20(1), 150–165.
Ogunremi, J. B., & Olatunji, S. O. (2019). Constraints to adoption of fish farming technologies among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 46(1), 256-262. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v46i1.1308
Oh, Y. N., & Kim, H. Y. (2024). Exploring Sustainable Future Protein Sources. Food Science of Animal Resources, 45(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.5851/kosfa.2024.e111
Okon, E. M., Adesina, B. T., Falana, B. M., Ehigie, J. O., Bolanle, A. M., & Okocha, R. C. (2025). Aquaculture research techniques in Nigeria: Opportunities and challenges for sustainable aquaculture development. Scientific African, 29, e02883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02883
Onyema, C., Eze, S., & Okonkwo, J. (2019). Constraints to aquaculture development in Nigeria: A review. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 7(2), 123–130.
Saleh, Y., Tanko, A. S., & Dabo, A. A. H. (2024). Public‒Private Partnership in The Provision of Mass Housing in Kaduna Metropolis. Kaduna Journal of Geography, 6(1), 116-122.
World Bank. (2018). Nigeria Aquaculture Sector Review. World Bank.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Bala Dogo, Dogo Shalom, Yakubu S. Imam, Rabiat Idris, Alkali Jethro Habila (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
