Oxfam Novib and Nutreco start partnership in Nigeria

Aquaculture in Nigeria is booming business. There is a fast growing domestic market for catfish, a very popular dish in Nigeria. At present most of the fish is imported, but the Nigerian government wants to encourage domestic production. Fish farming can be an important stimulus in helping people to secure a steady income. Uncontrolled growth however can also lead to environmental problems, for instance by discharging wastewater from fish ponds. This project supports small-scale fish farmers to produce more environmentally friendly and to increase the yield per pond.

Higher productivity and better income for fish farmers

Farah Karimi, executive director Oxfam Novib: “Oxfam Novib has previously achieved good results in Nigeria with working with a Dutch cacao trader. This has resulted in improving the income of 7,500 cacao farmers. Now we start a new project in a different sector. The project with Nutreco has the same potential: helping small farmers and especially women to take a step towards a sustainable livelihood. This will lead to higher productivity and a better income for the fish farmers with the added benefit of more sustainable production methods. I am very happy with our cooperation. Nutreco is showing its responsibility for a better future for the people and the environment in Nigeria.”

Gaining access to international markets

Knut Nesse, CEO Nutreco: “The private sector has an essential role to play in contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. There is always the combination of responsibility and opportunity to bring knowhow to the farmers in the countries we operate in. With on-site training and provision of high quality feed we can help Nigerian farmers to increase yields and operate more sustainably. Producing according to the international standards in our industry will also help them in gaining access to international markets.”

Quality of fish feed important to enhance productivity and sustainability

The quality of fish feed is important to enhance the productivity and sustainability of small fish ponds. Nutreco is an important player in the Nigerian fish feed market and has its own production facility in a joint-venture. Nutreco is committed to help small fish pond owners to increase production and income in a sustainable manner. Oxfam Novib is interested to see that women and youth will benefit from the program and that communities are fully involved. Oxfam Novib and Nutreco will closely work with two Nigerian partners, the Farmer Development Union (FADU) and the Justice, Peace and Development Commission Ibadan (JPDC). This project will run for one year with the intention of scaling up.