Maximizing profitability and environmental sustainability through integrated fish farming in Nigeria

Abstract

The population of people living in Nigeria has risen tremendously in recent years with its corresponding increase 
in demand for food. Thus, there is the need for a suitable agricultural system to meet this increasing demand and 
also maximize the utilization of the available limited resources without much wastage integrated fish farming 
offers hope in this direction. This system of farming was introduced into the country some years back, its 
uniqueness, lies in the fact, that it has capability of combining fish culture with live stock and crop production. Its 
economic benefits in the enhancement of food production and self sufficiency are thoroughly discussed. Its 
significance in making various types of food available all the year round as well as making farmers self reliant and 
occupied most time of the year sets it apart from all other systems of farming. Its ecological importance which are 
often overlooked by farmers i.e. manure loading, nutrient cycling and productive capacity of ponds, are critically 
analyzed. This ecological consideration is of paramount importance in integrated fish farming in that it allows 
recycling, and maximum utilization of resources without wastage. Suggestions, therefore, have been made on 
how integrated fish farming can be ecologically sustained.