THE GATES FOUNDATION IS SUPPORTING A NEW PROJECT AT AIT, THAILAND TO REVOLUTIONIZE TILAPIA AND CATFISH FARMING IN NIGERIA!

This initiative, led by the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management Program of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in collaboration with local and international partners, aims to boost pond productivity, increase farmer incomes, and enhance protein availability by testing improved strains of tilapia and catfish most suited for African environments. We’re bridging the knowledge gap in fish genotypes, environments, and African preferences to optimize aquaculture practices most appropriate for the region.

Apart from field-based research, the project will facilitate training programs and exchanges between Asian and African aquaculture experts and will also empower women in aquaculture through specialized training, and provide important data for informed decision-making and policy development. Women doctoral scholars and research staff from Nigeria will join AIT to work with this project.

Key collaborations include FutureFish, UK, the University of Sunshine Coast, Australia, and the Nigerian Chapter of African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFishNet).

The aim is to develop talent in the field of aquaculture and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Africa.