Risk Management Strategies of Commercial Fish Farmers in Akwa Ibom State

Commercial fish farming faces multiple production and market risks including disease outbreaks, water quality failures, input price volatility, and post-harvest losses, all of which can significantly erode enterprise viability. In Akwa Ibom State, in Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone, the expansion of catfish aquaculture as a commercial enterprise has been accompanied by growing exposure to these risk categories. This study examines the risk management strategies employed by commercial fish farmers in Akwa Ibom State and evaluates their effectiveness in reducing production losses and income variability. A purposive sample of 45 commercial fish farmers was selected from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket local government areas. Data on risk types experienced, risk perception severity, and management strategies applied were collected through structured questionnaire interviews. Risk management strategies were categorised using a risk management framework covering risk avoidance, mitigation, transfer, and acceptance. Descriptive statistics and a risk index approach were used for analysis. Results indicate that disease risk was rated the highest severity risk by 87 percent of respondents, followed by feed price risk and water contamination. Biosecurity protocol compliance, multiple supplier relationships for inputs, and income diversification through complementary enterprises were the most frequently reported mitigation strategies. Only 14 percent of respondents used any form of insurance as a risk transfer mechanism. The study recommends the development of aquaculture-specific insurance products and the promotion of standardised biosecurity checklists for commercial fish farmers in Akwa Ibom State. Keywords: risk management, commercial fish farming, Akwa Ibom State, aquaculture, biosecurity