The catfish farming industry in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in patronage, creating a thriving market for both farmers and sellers. This positive trend is fueled by a confluence of factors, most notably the affordability and accessibility of catfish as a primary protein source for many Nigerians, particularly those with lower incomes. With the national demand for fish exceeding domestic production, the market gap creates a fertile ground for catfish farming to flourish. The narrative emerging from interviews with various stakeholders paints a picture of optimism and growth, highlighting the economic potential of this agricultural sector.
Mr. Uduak Solomon, a retired security officer who transitioned into catfish farming in 2016, exemplifies the success stories within the industry. He reports significant profits, especially during festive periods like Sallah and Easter. A key contributing factor to his profitability is the recent reduction in fish feed costs. The price of a bag of Blue Crown fish feed, for instance, decreased from N29,500 to N26,200. This cost reduction has a ripple effect, allowing farmers to offer catfish at more competitive prices, thus boosting sales. Solomon advises fellow farmers to be mindful of market pricing dynamics and avoid holding onto their stock for extended periods in anticipation of higher prices, a practice that could backfire.
The perspective of fish sellers further reinforces the positive market trends. Mrs. Margret Audu reports robust sales driven by high demand from restaurants and eateries, showcasing the wider integration of catfish into the food service industry. Interestingly, the demand extends beyond fresh catfish to encompass dried catfish, highlighting the versatility of the product and the preference for preserved options among certain consumer segments. However, logistical challenges, such as the high cost of transportation to different farms for sourcing catfish, persist. Audu advocates for governmental and non-governmental support in the form of grants and equipment to empower small-scale businesses and alleviate some of these operational hurdles.
Mr. Bala Suleiman’s 12-year journey in the fish farming business provides a longer-term perspective on the industry’s evolution. He candidly shares the initial hardships he encountered, ranging from funding constraints and high mortality rates to the challenges of expensive feed, low demand, and even theft. His resilience and resourcefulness, coupled with support from cooperative societies through loans and grants, enabled him to overcome these obstacles. Suleiman emphasizes the importance of meticulous farm management practices, such as regular sorting and water changes, to minimize fish mortality and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Ms. Elizabeth Aonodongu, another fish seller, corroborates the lucrative nature of the catfish business and its capacity to provide sustainable livelihoods. She underscores the inherent advantage of catfish due to its high protein content, making it a preferred choice over other fish varieties. Aonodongu’s farm has witnessed impressive sales figures, with over 6,000,000 catfish, both smoked and fresh, sold in recent months to various local bars and even exported abroad. Despite this success, she points to the initial slump in sales at the beginning of the year due to inflated hatching material costs, highlighting the vulnerability of the industry to price fluctuations in inputs. Aonodongu also acknowledges the recurring challenge of customers buying on credit, a practice that can strain cash flow for small businesses.
The overall picture that emerges is one of a vibrant and growing catfish farming sector in Nasarawa State. Despite the challenges of transportation costs, fluctuating input prices, and the occasional late payments from customers, the industry demonstrates considerable resilience and potential. The combination of high demand, the affordability of catfish, and the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers and sellers creates a positive feedback loop, driving growth and contributing to the local economy. The call for governmental and NGO support highlights the need for strategic interventions to further strengthen this promising agricultural sector and unlock its full economic potential. The experiences of these individuals underscore the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and sound management practices in navigating the complexities of the catfish farming business.
The success stories shared by the farmers and sellers offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. They highlight the importance of understanding market dynamics, managing operational costs, and building strong relationships with suppliers and customers. The emphasis on regular sorting and water changes to minimize fish mortality underscores the crucial role of proper farm management in ensuring a healthy and profitable harvest. Furthermore, the challenges faced by these individuals, such as transportation costs, fluctuating input prices, and late payments, serve as a reminder of the need for careful planning, risk management, and financial prudence. The call for government and NGO support also emphasizes the importance of a supportive ecosystem for small-scale businesses to thrive.
