Increasing human population coupled with improved awareness of the benefits of eating fish has led to the present growing demand for fish and fish products. This demand is current beyond supply globally and especially in Africa. African lags behind the world in fish consumption, consuming about 10 kg per person per year. Africa will need to double its fish production from both fisheries and aquaculture by 2030 to cater for present consumption levels. The scale of this challenge requires research innovations across the whole spectrum of aquaculture and fisheries production systems and associated value chains.

In line with CGIAR Research Program on fish agri-food systems (FISH CRP), the WorldFish Strategy 2017-2022 prioritizes the expansion of research programs into focal and scaling countries in Africa. This is a means for responding to emerging opportunities for partnerships, influence and impact in fisheries and aquaculture. Nigeria is one of WorldFish focal countries whose research program is being established. The development of the research program in Nigeria by WorldFish is geared towards fostering  strong partnerships and developing an appropriate level of engagement through establishment of offices, having appropriate staff presence, and determination of an appropriate research agenda.

In the past year, WorldFish has worked with partners to bring about a number of key developments in Nigeria. These include the country scoping and completion of the value chain assessment led by the University of Ibadan, and the approval for funding of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program by the Board of the African Development Bank. The aquaculture value chain compact under TAAT,which is being led by WorldFish, will be undertaken in several prioritized African countries consisting of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria from where it will be coordinated. Since Nigeria also hosts the Regional Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, under West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD), CORAF will have a major role to play in establishing the WorldFish research program in Nigeria.In support of the development of WorldFish country research program in Nigeria,WorldFish and the Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will co-host a two-day Stakeholders workshop on 20-21 March 2018. The meeting will take place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and will bring together a diverse group of participants including donors, government officials, regional and national research organizations, and stakeholders from the aquaculture and fisheries industry.

Objectives:

This main objective of this workshop is to bring together different stakeholders to deliberate on steps towards establishment of WorldFish Nigeria programs. Specifically,the objectives of the meeting are:

(i) Discuss the scoping and aquaculture value chain assessment reports (2017);

(ii) Present small-scale fishery status in the country;

(iii) Discuss early implementation of TAAT;

(iv) Discuss the West African Agriculture Productivity Program (WAAPP) and the potential inclusion of aquaculture and the Centre of Excellence designed for Nigeria

(v) Discuss and recommend program based approach and modalities for the establishment of WorldFish Nigeria program.

Expected outcomes

The workshop is expected develop a roadmap for the establishment of the WorldFish Nigeria country research program and set up the research agenda for the intervening period. The workshop will review the ongoing activities and align them with the broader

WorldFish strategy and Fish CRP. Participants

Participants to the workshop will include fish farmers, fishers and their associations, fish feed manufacturers, input providers, processors, officials from the Government of Nigeria, universities, WorldFish, regional economic commissions including and development partners.

WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Opportunities in Partnering with WorldFish – David Shearer- Director, International Partnership, WorldFish

Address by- Dr Yvonne Pinto- Chairman of the Board of Trustees, WorldFish

Key note Address and Official opening of the Workshop – Honourable Minister of Agriculture

• Introduction and Expectations of Workshop Participants
• Objectives of the Workshop and Fish CRP in Africa – Dr. Harrison Karisa, Country Director Egypt and Nigeria, WorldFish
• Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria, FDF perspective and ongoing research projects- Istifanus Pwaspo

. Aquaculture Value Chain Assessment in Oyo State, Nigeria Report – Prof. Bernadette T. Fregene and Prof. Bola Omonona

. Discussions and recommendations

• Fish for Food, Nutrition and Income through Enabling Youth in Nigeria: Scoping Report -Dr. Rohana Subasinghe
• Discussions and recommendations

Group Discussion on Challenges of Aquaculture and Fisheries Development

• Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
• Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds
• Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries
• Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition

Presentation of Group Reports on Challenges

Discussion of Group Reports

Recap of Previous Day Programmes

• Breeding Programs and Genetically Improved Fish Seed – Dr Harrison Karisa
• Q&A
• Fish Feed and Survival of the Aquaculture Industry in Nigeria – Dr. Rodrigue Yossa
• Q&A

. Fish Production, Value Addition, Market Linkages – Experiences from across the world- Prof. Bernadette T. Fregene

. Discussion and Recommendation

Group Formation & Objectives: Priority research activities and Practical steps -Creating synergies with Fish CRP

Group Discussions: Priority research activities and Practical steps

• Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
• Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds

Group Discussions: Priority research activities and Practical steps (continued)

Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries

• Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition

Presentations by the Groups

• Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
• Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds
• Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries
• Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition

• Discussion

Next Steps – David Shearer

Closing Remarks