Assessment of Aquaculture Production Systems and Constraints Among Fish Farmers in Rivers State

This study assesses aquaculture production systems, productivity levels, and constraints facing fish farmers in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in Rivers State, driven by declining capture fisheries and high urban demand for fish protein in Port Harcourt and surrounding urban areas. Understanding the diversity of production systems and the constraints limiting productivity is essential for designing targeted support interventions. This study uses a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 160 aquaculture operators in Emohua, Obio-Akpor, and Ahoada East local government areas through structured questionnaires and farm visits. Variables assessed include pond types, fish species cultured, stocking density, feeding practices, water quality management, disease prevalence, production cost, and yield. Findings reveal that earthen pond catfish (Clarias gariepinus) culture is the dominant production system, accounting for 74 percent of sampled farms. Stocking densities average 1.8 fish per square metre, and average harvest weight of 800 grams is achieved at 6 months using floating pellet feed. Feed cost accounts for 62 percent of total production cost, and availability and affordability of quality pellet feed is the most frequently cited production constraint. Water quality management is absent on 58 percent of farms. Disease, particularly bacterial aeromoniasis, affects 34 percent of farms annually. The study concludes that feed cost management and water quality monitoring are the priority intervention areas for Rivers State aquaculture development. It recommends subsidised high-quality feed access and extension training in pond water quality management.

Keywords: aquaculture, fish farmers, Rivers State, catfish production, feed cost.