Management of Fish Feed Supply Chains for Small and Medium Aquaculture Enterprises in Ogun State

This study examined the management of fish feed supply chains serving small and medium aquaculture enterprises (SMAEs) in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Feed represents 60 to 70 percent of the total production cost in Nigerian catfish aquaculture, and inefficiencies in feed supply chains directly constrain the profitability and growth of SMAEs. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining structured questionnaire surveys administered to 85 enterprise operators with key informant interviews involving five major feed distributors and two feed manufacturers. Data collected covered procurement practices, credit terms, storage conditions, feed quality perceptions, and supply reliability. Results revealed that 63 percent of operators experienced frequent feed stockouts due to transportation delays and limited working capital. Only 18 percent had formal supply agreements with distributors, with the majority relying on spot-market procurement. Feed quality inconsistency, affecting growth performance and feed conversion ratios, was reported as a major concern by 71 percent of respondents. Cold storage for feed was absent at 89 percent of enterprise sites, contributing to mycotoxin contamination risks. Cluster procurement through cooperatives was practised by 24 percent of enterprises and correlated with an average 15 percent reduction in feed procurement costs. The study recommends the formalisation of supply agreements, development of cooperative procurement clusters, investment in on-farm feed storage, and engagement of state fisheries agencies in feed quality certification to strengthen feed supply chain resilience for SMAEs in Ogun State. Keywords: fish feed supply chain, aquaculture enterprise, feed management, SMAEs, Ogun State