Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Among Commercial Farmers in Lagos State

This study analysed the factors influencing adoption and diffusion of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) among commercial fish farmers in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. RAS technology offers significant advantages in water use efficiency, biosecurity, and year-round production, but its adoption in Nigeria remains largely confined to a small number of urban commercial operations. The study employed a technology adoption model adapted from Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations framework, combining structured interviews with 45 RAS adopters and 60 non-adopter commercial farmers in Lagos and Ogun states. Variables assessed included relative advantage, complexity, trialability, observability, capital requirement, technical support access, and energy cost sensitivity. Binary logistic regression identified significant determinants of adoption. Results showed that relative advantage perception and access to reliable electricity were the strongest positive predictors of adoption. Capital requirement was the most frequently cited barrier, with estimated establishment costs for a 10-tonne per year RAS system of 18 to 25 million naira. Energy cost sensitivity was critical, as electricity represented 35 to 42 percent of RAS operational costs, making operations highly vulnerable to tariff increases and power outages. Non-adopters demonstrated awareness of RAS technology but rated complexity and technical support scarcity as prohibitive. Adopters reported 30 percent higher gross margins per cubic metre of production volume compared to equivalent open tank systems. The study recommends targeted financing schemes, energy subsidy programmes, and the establishment of RAS demonstration and training centres in Lagos State to accelerate informed technology adoption among commercial fish farmers. Keywords: recirculating aquaculture systems, technology adoption, commercial fish farming, Lagos State, RAS economics