Agriculture in Nigeria - A look at the Fishing Industry - Part 2 - E. Etta
In continuation of my series on Agriculture in Nigeria - I am going to present a review of the Fishing industry in Nigeria and talk about some problems and possible solutions to some of the occurring problems.
Introduction
Nigeria is endowed with a vast coastline and abundant inland water resources and boasts a thriving fisheries sector that plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.
The fisheries industry in Nigeria is diverse and includes marine and inland fisheries, aquaculture, and associated activities. The fishing industry is a source of livelihood for millions, particularly those in coastal and riverine communities, where fishing has been a traditional way of life for generations.
The Fishing industry, though very important in the Nigerian economy and culture like agriculture, The industry provides employment and a key source of protein for the population. The industry though, is not really keeping pace with the demand for these products in Nigeria and the uptick in technology in this industry world wide. Overall, funding for the fishing industry in Nigeria is grossly inadequate especially at the state level.
Fishing in Nigeria
Nigeria produces approximately 1.1 million metric tons of fish annually, but it is still not up to the estimated 3.6 million metric tons in demand, which is met through imports and adds to the money that has to be spent to meet this demand which would be used elsewhere.
Fisheries is a major economic sector, estimated to employ over 8.6 million people directly and a further 19.6 million indirectly, approximately 70 percent of whom are women, most of them mainly work in the post-harvest sector. Small-scale fishing operations contribute 80% of locally produced fish and support the livelihoods of 24 million Nigerians. 73% of those involved in fisheries in Nigeria are women. The overall GDP contribution from fishing – small scale and industrial – was 1.15 % in 2022 and 1.02% in 2023. The fisheries industry in Nigeria includes fish farming which has become one of the fastest-growing farming businesses, turning Nigeria into the second biggest aquaculture producer in Africa. The fisheries sector is therefore a route to socioeconomic development in Nigeria. But it also faces threats.
Issues in the Fisheries industry
Overfishing and depletion of fish stocks both by local and foreign entities.
Poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities, which leads to poor production and loss of products.
Post-harvest losses - due to improper processing, lack of storage facilities.
Weak governance and ineffective policies both by local, state and federal authorities. Challenges include inadequate enforcement capacity and the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the fishing industry.
Nigeria loses over $70 million yearly to illegal fishing which:
Undermines livelihoods of Nigerian fishermen
Pushes people into poverty
Is done mainly by foreign fishermen but aggravated by the fact that there is inadequate enforcement and capacity to enforce
Challenges include inadequate enforcement capacity and the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the fishing industry
Habitat degradation affects fish populations
General and environmental pollution (mainly from the oil industry).
Lack of regulation and little enforcement of regulations that do exist.
Climate change impacts which are not currently being addressed.
Lack of modern equipment and technology in fishing.
Research and monitoring of fish populations are essential for adapting fishing practices to changes in ecosystems, ensuring the sustainability of harvested fish populations.
Possible Sustainable Solutions
Sustainable fishing is defined as a fishing method that maintains fish populations and ecosystems while meeting current demand without compromising future availability.
Best practices for sustainable fishing include using selective fishing gear, establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), implementing fishing quotas, and encouraging responsible consumption.
Other best practices include catch share programs, seasonal closures, and responsible fish farming techniques.
Causes of unsustainable fishing practices include overfishing, bycatch, illegal fishing, and the use of destructive fishing methods.
Examples of sustainable fishing practices include catch share programs, seasonal closures, and responsible fish farming techniques.
To support the sustainability of the fishing industry, cooperation among governments, the fishing industry, and consumers who prioritize sustainable products is crucial.
Research and monitoring of fish populations are essential for adapting fishing practices to changes in ecosystems, ensuring the sustainability of harvested fish populations.
To support the sustainability of the fishing industry, cooperation among governments, the fishing industry, and consumers who prioritize sustainable products is crucial.
Resources
Aquaculture Development in Nigeria: The Second Biggest Aquaculture Producer in Africa
Best Practices for Sustainable Fishing
Challenges and Opportunities in Nigerian Fisheries Sector
Fisheries and Aquaculture Nigeria
Illegal fishing: How Nigeria can stop losing $70m yearly – Experts
Nigeria Gross Domestic Product Q1 2023
National Gross Domestic Product Q3 2024
Women are a mainstay of fishing in West Africa. But they get a raw deal