© WorldFish
As part of its goal to support 300,000 beneficiaries across Asia and Africa, the project conducted a scoping study and stakeholder workshop in Lagos State to advance Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) practices.
Held in Badagry last year, the WorldFish workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, and coastal community members from Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo states. Discussions focussed on strengthening local aquaculture value chains, assessing legal frameworks, and identifying collaboration opportunities. Field visits to fishing communities provided direct engagement with fishers, net menders, and boat builders, offering insights into traditional practices and industry challenges.
The event also highlighted innovations in Nigeria’s fisheries sector, including solar-powered ice-making and cold storage solutions developed by local fishing cooperatives. Stakeholders toured a fiberglass boat manufacturing facility, observing the production of offshore fishing vessels, which play a crucial role in Nigeria’s coastal economy.
AABS has now launched baseline data collection for its IMTA programme, training 15 enumerators in data gathering techniques, ethical research practices, and digital tools for efficient data management. With a proposed sample size of 450 aquaculture farmers, the study will assess existing conditions and inform interventions to promote sustainable aquaculture in Nigerian coastal states.
Looking ahead, the AABS team, in collaboration with Lagos State University (LASU), plans to host a final workshop at the end of the project year. The event will share research findings on employment opportunities in aquaculture, market demand for coastal aquaculture products, and strategies for expanding IMTA adoption. These efforts aim to enhance food security, create economic opportunities for women and youth, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.
