NATIONAL AQUACULTURE STRATEGY (NAS)

A Strategy guides the development of aquaculture in Nigeria to expand fish farming and enhance food security. It targets fish farmers, cooperatives, investors, and government agencies to promote sustainable practices and job creation. This seeks to increase fish production and reduce import reliance.

What Is This Policy?

The NAS is Nigeria’s strategic framework for aquaculture development, designed to expand fish farming, improve food security, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fish imports

Who Does It Target?

The strategy is directed at fish farmers, cooperatives, investors, extension workers, and government agencies. It also targets research institutions, universities, and NGOs, ensuring aquaculture development is inclusive and sustainable.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The central objective is to transform aquaculture into a commercially viable and sustainable sector. It seeks to increase fish production, improve nutrition, generate employment, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global fish markets

Key Features

Identification of high-potential aquaculture zones. Outreach and extension services to support farmers. Capacity building for fish farmers and cooperatives. Funding arrangements including public-private partnerships. Clear roles for public and private sectors. Regular monitoring, evaluation, and review.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: active Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and commercial aquaculture enterprises. Funding: Federal allocations

How to Access

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD): https://fmard.gov.ng CGIAR/WorldFish Policy Research Outputs (2023 workshop reports). Batnon Center for Environment and Sustainable Development: hosts downloadable NAS documents.

Important Terms

Term 1-Aquaculture Zones Geographic areas identified as having high potential for fish farming due to water availability, climate, and infrastructure. These zones are prioritized for investment and extension services. Term 2- Extension Services Programs that provide farmers with training, technical advice, and access to innovations. In aquaculture, extension services help farmers adopt best practices in feeding, breeding, and disease management.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) : https://fmard.gov.ng • Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture: Abuja. • CGIAR/WorldFish Nigeria Aquaculture Policy Research: https://www.cgiar.org Link to document - https://www.google.com/search?q=https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/nig168581.pdf

Legal Framework

The National Aquaculture Strategy operates under the National Agricultural Policy, the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Act, and the Fisheries Act. It aligns with the National Food Security Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, and Nigeria's obligations under the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Abuja Declaration on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa.