Context and WorldFish Participation:

Nigeria will have to overcome some existing hurdles to optimize its current aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand and fully capitalize on its investment potential. Investment is needed at all points of the aquaculture value chain, and a complete assessment and evaluation of individual investment opportunities, particularly from a private sector perspective, is not known or available. Nigeria’s aquaculture sector offers investors clear paths to positive returns and strategic interventions to help set an accelerated trajectory for this Nigerian commercial sector.

Venue :Conference Centre ,IITA Ibadan

Date:7th and 8th May 2024

With the above backdrop, WorldFish will held a Nigeria Aquaculture Dialogue on a future vision towards expanding and improving businesses and the resources needed. This Dialogue will set the platform to “Pitch Your Business Concept,” bringing together key public and private sectors, commercial aquaculture entrepreneurs, and operators along the value chain to share knowledge from their business experience and drive future investments in Nigeria.

Welcome address by the Director General of Worldfish Dr.Essam Mohammad and also welcome address by Dr Sunil Siriwardenaa(Officer in Charge ,Worldfish Nigeria Office.

The opening session commenced with the topic :Five Year of Worldfish engagement in Nigeria ,a reflection by Dr Rohan Subasinghe .

Norwegian Ambassador was also present with a keynote address . Federal Department of Fisheries and the Secretary to the state Government of Oyo State presented her opening speech.

TADAN was represented at the event with the pitch theme: TILAPIA AQUAPARK FOR SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN THE EPE LAGOS LAGOON.

Developing an Eco-system consisting of the key components of Tilapia Fingerlings Supply, Cage culture on the lagoon and Feed inputs for Scaled production of Tilapia Fish.

Participants from across the country and includes MYRA farms,Northern fish farmers association,Springs Continental Harvest,SEJFARMS LTD ,CAFFAN,TADAN,FAO,IDIPR and investment agency such as NIRSAL,WEMA Bank,IDH,Worldbank,USAID and Bell and Mellida Gate Foundation.

Also presented work from KALOKA Ng,Good Seeds Solution,Oyo,Premium Aquaculture Limited ,Aller Aqua Nigeria ,AWFISHNET,EJAICE LTD,Atlantic Shrimper and others .

The workshop was moderated by Prof. Festus Adeosun .

The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway Project (AABS) is supported through the UK’s Climate and Ocean
Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program under the umbrella of the Blue Planet Fund (BFP).

It focuses on enabling communities to adapt to and mitigate against climate change as well as responsibly and sustainably manage marine and coastal nature and resources, resulting in improved food and nutritional security as well as employment and income opportunities.

The objective of the workshop is to collectively understand the complexities within the Nigerian coastal
aquaculture systems and the dynamic environment in which they are embedded.

In addition, the workshop aims to explore the potential socio-ecological impact of scaling coastal integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems in Nigeria.

The results of the workshops will be used to develop a theory of change that informs project monitoring, evaluation, learning, and subsequent systemic-wide impact assessment for the AABS project.
Similar workshops will also be conducted with the other stakeholders in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, where the AABS project operates.

The association appreciates the timing of the programme and involment of stakeholders from different strata and specialization for the workshop. Looking forward to development and impacts of integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems in Nigeria aquaculture industry.

According to a release on Worldfish website on the project.

The BlueTech Superhighway is framed around four synergistic work packages that assess, adapt, and scale evidence-based methods across different contexts in Africa and Asia. 

1. Bridging data gaps in small-scale aquatic food system
2. Integrated seawater farming for Africa
3. Tackling aquatic food loss and waste
4. Incentive-based coastal fisheries management

The South-South collaboration on the above work packages is underpinned by a country-to-country knowledge exchange platform—a forum to convene stakeholders from across the target countries, share challenges and solutions, and to learn from each other in an interactive, participatory approach. The exchange amongst countries will provide stakeholders access to practical ‘how-to’ knowledge of implementing technologies, offering a unique space to connect with peers in other countries, co-create actionable knowledge products, and spawn new ideas and innovations in a country-led environment, which can transcend beyond the program scope for greater cross-cutting returns.

Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway is a program under UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program of the Blue Planet Fund. The program will contribute directly to COAST’s priority outcomes and impact.

Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway’s theory of change targets impact along six Sustainable Development Goals and contributions to the targets set within the Paris Agreement and African Union’s priorities on food systems transformation.

The Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association participates in the ongoing workshop on the Diversification of Farming systems and species in Nigeria’s Aquaculture. The program is organised by Fish Innovation LAB and WorldFish in collaboration with other relevant national and international Fisheries Organisations between 31^st October to 2^nd November at IITA in Ibadan. 

The President of the Association Mr Remi Ahmed is expected to present a paper on the topic Diversification of Farming systems and species in Nigeria Aquaculture TADAN Perspectives.

The event has several speakers lineup for the programs which include stakeholders within the aquaculture industry in Nigeria and beyond. I will keep you posted as the events unfold.

Thanks

Adedeji F.A

National Secretary

TADAN

Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association Nigeria TADAN

          Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Sir/Madam,

Attached is a brief description about the online training course ‘Aquaculture smallholder business development’ that will be held next year February-April. The course will be organized by Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation WCDI. Application for fellowships for this course is now open and can be submitted until October 11, 2022. Nigeria is in the list of countries eligible for OKP scholarships. Based on feedback of Nigeria participants in earlier versions of this course I believe that this course is relevant for many members of TADAN. I kindly ask you to make the attached information available to TADAN membership and to institutes and individuals involved in aquaculture in Nigeria. I thank you in advance.

Kind regards, 

Peter G.M. van der Heijden 
Aquaculture course coordinator

Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI), Wageningen University & Research

P.O. Box 88,  6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands

Tel. +31 (0)317 481394 (direct), +31 (0)317 486800 (reception)

Fax +31 (0)317 486801

Skype: peter.g.m.van.der.heijden

E-mail  peter.vanderheijden@wur.nl

Web site: www.wageningenur.nl/cdi

www.facebook.com/CDIwageningenUR

www.twitter.com/CDIwageningenUR

Aquaculture Smallholder Business Development

 

🐟 💦 The production of fish and other aquatic animals from capture fisheries is not enough to supply the growing global demand for seafood. Aquaculture production has grown steadily in the past decades in response to this demand. Aquaculture now supplies half of the fish and seafood consumed by people. Small producers do play an important role in the supply of fish especially on local level, but individual small producers face many challenges.

✅The Global aquaculture situation

✅Position of small-scale aquaculture producers

✅Producing quality fish and other aquatic products in a responsible way

✅Relations with public and private actors that have a direct or indirect stake in aquaculture sector development;

✅Challenges for the management and performance of aquaculture producer organizations;
✅ Development of aquaculture small producer-inclusive programs.

💰🍊 If you want to apply for a scholarship for this online course from the Orange Knowledge Programme or the MENA Scholarship Programme from @NufficGlobalDevelopment, make sure to finish your application before 11 October. Do not postpone your scholarship application to the last week because obtaining all the documents required may take a week or two.

Persons who are interested to participate in this course should:

• Be able to communicate (read, speak and write) in English language;
• Have an education at BSc level in a subject relevant for aquaculture and fisheries development’
• Have 3 or more years of working experience in the field of aquaculture.

More information & registration 👉🏻     and    How to apply – WUR

Countries eligible for the OKP program: 

Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia.

Countries eligible for the MENA (also called MSP) program:

Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia

INTRODUCTION OF PLATEAU STATE CHAPTERS PIONEER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

This is to bring to the notice of general public the formation of the Plateau State Chapter of the Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association Nigeria . The following Distinguished individuals hereby represent and coordinates the activities of Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Asssociation Nigeria in Plateau State Nigeria.

STATE EXECUTIVE OFICERS 

1. Professor Keziah Vou  Absalom  (Mfs 680)- Chairman

2. Mr. Albert Tokat – Vice Chairman (Mfs289)

3. Mr. Irimiya Gatba Garba -Secretary (08030752994)

4. Mr. Samson Akawu – Assistant Secretary

5. Mr. Daweng Moses Pam – Financial Secretary

6. Professor Pandan Yamsat- Treasurer

MEMBERS

7. Professor John Wokton Wade (Ffs 052)

8. Dr. Mrs Julie Anpe (Ffs 330)

9. Dr. Mrs. Sarah Musa

10. Mr. Bulus Gofwen 

11. Gotom Newman 

12. Joel Man’s

13. Saylvester Irimiya

14. Nankpan Dashe

15. Samson Mafuyai

16.Mrs. Phoebe Rabo  

17.Mr. Danung  Bitrus Monday

18.Mr. Daniel Binjin

19. Dr. Daniel Kakwi

20. Mr. Adefemi Odueko

21.Mr. Nentawe Wophill

22.Mr. Chomo Peter Gyang

23. Mr. Nanklind Samuel

24.Mr. Jol Augustine

25.Mr. Ishaku Samchi

26. Mr. Garba Bisat

27. Lt Col. Nuhu Richard Gyang

28. Mr. Nathaniel Ardel

29. Mrs. Matawal Rachael

30. Mr. T.M. Wuyep

Membership of the association is in agreement with aims and objectives of the association as contained in the constitution of the association . We look forward to contributions of members to the overall development of Tilapia Aquaculture in Nigeria and beyond.

Thanks for your cooperation and support

Press Release: WorldFish signs agreement with Premium Aquaculture Limited to transfer GIFT to Nigeria



Highlights

The transfer of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) fry will kickstart a new domestic industry in Nigeria for tilapia farming leading to improved livelihoods as well as food and nutrition security among the Nigerian population.

ALEXANDRIA, March 26, 2022 – WorldFish announced today an inclusive legal agreement with Premium Aquaculture Limited for the transfer of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) to Nigeria. This agreement will augur the establishment of a GIFT-based aquaculture industry in Nigeria. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are collaborating with WorldFish and PAL on this endeavor with the aim of having WorldFish/PAL GIFT tilapia in Nigerian fish markets by late 2023.  

Elaborating on the agreement, WorldFish Project Leader for the Bill and Melinda Gates Project Dr. Colin Shelley said:

“This agreement reflects WorldFish’s ambitions for future growth and investment in the African continent and its confidence to impact at scale to support small-scale aquaculture producers charter their pathway out of poverty.”

Tilapia is one of the most important groups of aquaculture species in the world. In 2018, of the 82.1 million metric tons of aquaculture food-fish production, 5.5 million metric tons came from tilapia — 81 percent of which was Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).

The main bottleneck to expanding tilapia aquaculture and production – including through smallholder-based farming – is the lack of a systematically managed and maintained breeding population to produce high-quality seed in required quantities that are accessible to farmers year-round.

On the importance of fish to Nigeria, WorldFish Project Advisor Dr.RohanaSubasinghe said:

“Fish is critically important to Nigeria for food and nutritional security, foreign exchange, employment and livelihoods. Yet, a steep change in supplies and distribution is necessary over the next 20 years to realize its full potential.”

Recognizing the importance of using an improved variety of tilapia to support the necessary growth of the tilapia sector, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria recently made an official request to WorldFish to transfer GIFT – a Nile tilapia variety genetically improved through decades of selective breeding by WorldFish – from Malaysia to Nigeria and to assist in creating a GIFT seed industry in the country.

WorldFish’s GIFT has been distributed to many developing nations. Several studies have identified socio-economic benefits arising from farming GIFT, including improved rural income and employment. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the economic internal rate of return on investments in GIFT development and dissemination was more than 70 percent over a period from 1988 to 2010, with an estimated net present value of $368 million in constant 2001 prices. It has been estimated that nearly 50 percent of global Nile tilapia aquaculture production is now GIFT and GIFT-derived. About 75 percent of tilapia consumed in developing countries appear to be GIFT, confirming that the strain has the greatest potential for alleviating global poverty and hunger and improving nutrition.

In general, tilapia is a food commodity with a low-carbon footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emissions that can improve the resilience of both small-scale farms and the overall food system. WorldFish believes that transferring GIFT will kickstart a new domestic industry in Nigeria for tilapia farming. It would increase smallholder income and employment, deliver significant quantities of new fish products to narrow the fish supply-demand gap and lead to better nutrition and health among the Nigerian population. Small-scale producer GIFT farming would create an industry that will increase the availability of a low-carbon food commodity in the Nigerian markets.

On the purpose of the research and development (R&D) program, WorldFish Nigeria Country Manager Dr. Sunil Siriwardena explained:

“In partnership with BMGF and USAID, WorldFish is investing in an R&D program that will provide the foundation for establishing a sustainable private sector-based GIFT seed and grow-out industry in Nigeria. This program is designed to (a) prepare and bio-securely transfer GIFT from Malaysia to Nigeria, (b) establish a GIFT breeding population for disease-free broodstock/seed dissemination and (c) establish a healthy GIFT seed industry/business and GIFT-seed-based smallholder out-grower business/industry in Nigeria.”

GIFT fry will be transferred from WorldFish Headquarters in Malaysia to Premium Aquaculture Limited’s, secured quarantine facility in Nigeria’s Ogun State under a robust environmental risk management program and strategy. Premium Aquaculture, a subsidiary of Stallion Group, is the largest tilapia producer in Nigeria. In collaboration with PAL and the Government of Nigeria, WorldFish has completed a full-scale GIFT transfer risk assessment and the fry transfer will take place in May 2022.

On the impact of the collaboration between PAL and WorldFish, Premium Aquaculture Limited Senior Manager Mr, Govinda Raju says:

“This technical collaboration is poised to propagate and disseminate WorldFish’s 17th generation fast-growing strain of GIFT tilapia in Nigeria. We are highly confident that it will boost tilapia production in the country as well as farmers’ income.”

The agreement also involves the establishment of a parental broodstock as well as to breed, propagate and disseminate fry and fingerling across Nigeria. Regular health checks will be conducted during the growth of the fry. Second-generation progeny resulting from the original stock from Malaysia will be transferred to other states for breeding and grow-out in both ponds and cage systems in Nigeria. As Nile tilapia is a native species in Nigeria, the freshwater habitats of Nigeria are suitable for growth and propagation.

This is the first private sector partnership between WorldFish and a hatchery operator. It reflects WorldFish’s intention to commercialize its genetic assets, work toward financially sustainable operations and reduce its dependency on donor funding for its genetic R&D.

The fish to be transferred will be generation 17 from WorldFish’s genetics program and represent the fastest-growing fish yet

Pitch AgriHack 2019 winners awarded a total of €60k in prize
Seven startups that came out tops at the Pitch AgriHack 2019 competition earlier this month have been awarded a total of €60 000 in prizes.

Pitch AgriHack aims to support the growth of business services offered by agritech startups as well as contribute to accelerate the adoption of innovations that bring about stronger productivity within the agrifood sector.

The competition is run by The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra), the OCP Group, GreenTec Capital Africa Foundation, GreenTec Capital Africa,World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

In a statement earlier this month, CTA said it had selected 22 finalists (see profiles of them in this PDF) — 11 of which were women led — from among 326 startups that had applied.

The finalists underwent training in a bootcamp that was held before pitching their solutions to potential investors and a judging panel at the closing plenary of the African Green Revolution Forum that was held in Accra on 6 September.

This year’s winners hail from Ghana, Kenya Uganda, and Nigeria. They are:

Early-stage startups category:

Profish (Ghana): Profish was awarded €7500 for its Lojaanor USSD platform which enables the startup to provide logistical services and market access to fish farmers.
Savanna Circuit Tech (Kenya): Savanna Circuit was awarded €5000 for its Maziwaplus Prechiller and M+ Milk Collection App.
Mature stage startup category:

Jaguza Tech (Uganda): Jaguza is an online and offline, cloud-based livestock management system that incorporates the use of low-cost sensors, drones, livestock collars and GPS trackers to gather real-time information about location, speed, body temperature and stress levels of livestock. The solution was awarded €15 000.
Arinifu Technologies (Kenya): Arinifu Technologies has developed a smart brooder environmental control device which helps chicken farmers regulate temperature and humidity. The solution was awarded €12 500.
Public Choice Award:

Trackball Global Technologies (Nigeria): Trackball Global Technologies is developing AgriCo, a web-based mobile application that will help improve the productivity and profitability of urban farming by providing farmers with best production practices, farm management tools, access to inputs, produce markets and micro-credits. The startup was awarded a Public Choice Award of €5000 for the solution.
Data Analytics Award:

Foodlocker Limited(Nigeria): Foodlocker offers procurement efficiency, convenience, affordability, and pricing regularity to large buyers of farm-fresh foodstuff by aggregating and lightly processing smallholder farmer outputs and delivering those outputs directly to our customers, who include food processors, exporters, hotels, restaurants, bars, and retailers. The startup received the Data Analytics Award of €10 000.
GreenTec Award

TechShelta (Ghana): TechShelta’s web and mobile app enables greenhouse farmers to have on-demand access to advisory information, automation services and market linkages. The startup was the recipient of the GreenTech Award of €5000.
CTA said since the launch of the AgriHack Talent initiative in 2013, the services of entrants have reached over one million farmers and agricultural stakeholders, with participants having raised over €2-million from investors and partners.

CTA director Michael Hailu said in the same statement that through the Pitch AgriHack competition, the centre has discovered “self-taught youngsters” who are full of ideas and determination, which he said are providing answers to some of Africa’s persistence .