FISH4ACP Input Finance Initiative

FISH4ACP Input Finance Initiative is sponsored by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

FISH4ACP launches input finance initiative to scale fish farming in Nigeria FISH4ACP launches input finance initiative to scale fish farming in Nigeria Access to finance is key to unlock potential of Nigeria’s booming catfish sector Abuja, Nigeria – The global aquatic value chain development program FISH4ACP launched an input finance initiative aimed at scaling fish farming in Nigeria, marking a major milestone in enhancing access to financial resources and technical support for smallholder fish farmers across the country.

During launch event at a cluster of catfish farmers in the southern city of Ijebu Ode, bringing together key partners and stakeholders from across the aquaculture value chain, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, FAO Representative ad interim to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed the importance of financial access in transforming aquaculture into a more productive and resilient sector. “Nigeria needs 3.

2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, yet current production stands at only 1. 2 million tonnes. This gap not only underscores the need for increased local production but also highlights the crucial role of financial inclusion and capacity building in achieving food and nutrition security,” he said.

FISH4ACP reflects a strong commitment to fostering sustainable aquaculture development in Nigeria, he added. It includes a strategy to provide credit to farmers through selected financial partners, expand technical support, collect implementation data, develop viable business models, and potentially establish a joint capacity-building mechanism, with FISH4ACP among the funding partners.

As a result of these efforts, about 40 farmers have successfully accessed about USD 105 000 from institutions such as the Bank of Industry (BOI) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), with plans underway to broaden the programme’s reach. Wellinton O.

Omorogbon, Director, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, urged for strategic partnerships and innovation to identify and implement solutions that will empower fish farmers and ensure sustainable practices that protect the ecosystem.

“We must explore new financing models, leverage public-private partnerships, and harness the potential of technology to create a more resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector,” he added. Hugh Briggs, Programme Manager for Agriculture at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted the EU’s continued support for inclusive and sustainable value chain development.

“Scaling up fish farming requires more than production - it requires systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and financially viable. Through FISH4ACP, we are seeing how targeted support, especially for small-scale producers, can help unlock aquaculture’s full potential as a source of food security, rural livelihoods, and economic resilience.

” Markus Wagner, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, commended partners for the milestone and reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to supporting sustainable aquaculture through integrated development approaches. “Beyond credit, this launch is about farmers gaining control over their future, communities building resilience and partnerships driving real impact,” he concluded.

FISH4ACP interventions to enhance sustainable production in five catfish clusters across Nigeria include data-driven farm management training, improved financial literacy, and business planning for cluster managers. Farmers are also benefiting from access to finance via the GIZ partnership, a new digital record-keeping platform for traceability, and a recently established water quality testing laboratory.

In addition, the introduction of sustainable feed solutions, such as the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, is helping farmers reduce input costs and adopt environmentally friendly practices. FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) aimed at making fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific more sustainable.

FISH4ACP is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Nigeria – Catfish is for everybody FISH4ACP supports Nigeria’s efforts to boost the catfish sector because of its potential to create jobs and business opportunities, in particular for...