Abstract:
This study has examined the role of traditional aquaculture systems and fish in food
security and livelihoods of fishing communities in two states in Nigeria. The
research focused on the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the
aquaculture systems including social and economic conditions of farmers. The study
also compared the relative importance of fish as a high quality protein source with
meats in fishing communities in two states in Nigeria.
Data were collected from 400 farmers with modern and traditional aquaculture
systems in Niger and Lagos states using semi-structured questionnaires. Modern
aquaculture consisted of small fish ponds with an average size of 0.1 ha. Liming
was not widespread among farmers with fish ponds but fertilisation was done before stocking by applying fertilisers of both organic and inorganic origins.