Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA): Market assessment of fish production and feed in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria’s economy stands as one of Africa’s most dynamic, undergoing a significant demographic shift. Expected to surpass all other countries in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) in gross domestic product (GDP) by 2023, it already plays a substantial role in regional government finances and oil exports. Projections suggest it will become the world’s third-most populous country by 2050. Pre-COVID-19, the economy was on track to grow by 60%, reaching USD 599.3 billion by 2023. However, challenges such as high poverty rates, income inequality, governance issues and limited public spending persist, setting it apart from similarly sized economies elsewhere. This economic and demographic evolution exerts substantial pressure on natural resources and food systems. Malnutrition remains a critical issue, affecting 49% of children under 5 years old, with 34% not receiving adequately diverse and nutritious diets for optimal growth. Moreover, rates of overweight and obesity among children and youths are rising, partly because of shifting consumption patterns toward less healthy diets.