Overview of aquaculture systems in Egypt and Nigeria, prospects, potentials, and constraints

Fish farming is considered an important agricultural activity that is capable of ending nutritional deficiencies of the world and contributing to poverty reduction. Its proponents argue that aquaculture will meet the food security needs of millions of people in developing countries who will benefit from relatively inexpensive protein, while depleted capture fisheries are allowed to replenish. Egypt is Africa's leading aquaculture country, followed by Nigeria with similar production systems. The dominant species of fish cultured in Egypt and Nigeria are Tilapia and African catfish, respectively. The aquaculture industries in these two counties are very promising, as there is a presence of water bodies, some institutional commitment, and high demand for fish among others. Despite some gains made by the countries and the huge potential of the aquaculture sector, it is however bedeviled with constraints such as low technology adoption, inadequate supply of fingerlings, high cost of fish feed, etc. This work is an overview of the aquaculture sectors of Egypt and Nigeria, which includes the production systems, prospects, and potentials of the sector and the constraints that affect aquaculture.