Assessment of Beetle Pests of Stored Dried Fish in Traditional Fish Markets of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Dried and smoked fish constitute a major protein source and significant economic commodity in northern Nigeria, yet beetle infestations in storage and market environments result in substantial post-harvest losses. Adamawa State, situated along the Benue River basin, has a large artisanal fisheries sector that supplies dried fish to markets across the North East. This study assesses the prevalence and species composition of beetle pests infesting dried fish in traditional market stalls and storage areas of Adamawa State. Market surveys will be conducted in Yola, Mubi, and Numan, with samples of dried fish collected from 60 vendors and examined for insect infestation. Beetles will be extracted by sieving and heat extraction, and identified using keys for stored product insects. Damage assessment will estimate percentage commodity loss. Vendors will be interviewed on storage duration, moisture conditions, and pest control awareness. Infestation rates will be compared between market types and seasons. The study hypothesizes that Dermestes maculatus and Necrobia rufipes will be the dominant species, in line with literature from similar markets elsewhere in Nigeria. Findings will be submitted to the Adamawa State Fish Market Development Committee to guide improved storage guidelines. Keywords: stored fish beetles, Dermestidae, dried fish markets, Adamawa State, post-harvest losses