The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the University of Ibadan have tested the use of black soldier fly larvae as a partial substitute for fishmeal in catfish feed, in a research initiative aimed at advancing sustainable aquaculture in Nigeria.
The trials were conducted under the FISH4ACP initiative in collaboration with the Eriwe Cluster Farmer, Fedox Farm and the University of Ibadan fish farm.
Researchers examined the supplementation of fishmeal with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) under different culture systems, alongside monitoring water quality dynamics.
Findings from the farm trials were presented at a one-day stakeholder workshop in Eriwe, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Farmers from the Eriwe Catfish Cluster and other aquaculture stakeholders received practical manuals on BSFL supplementation and water quality management, while recommendations from the research were reviewed and validated with participants’ contributions.
Speaking on behalf of UI-FAO/FISH4ACP, the lead focal person, Professor Emmanuel Ajani, said the workshop was designed to help farmers apply research findings on pond water management and BSFL feeding in their operations.
He said the forum would also promote continued engagement between researchers and farmers in support of sustainable aquaculture.
Ajani explained that Eriwe was chosen as the pilot site because of its scale, farmer organisation and strategic importance to Nigeria’s catfish industry, while Professor B.O.
Omitoyin urged farmers to apply the findings to improve the profitability and sustainability of their businesses.
