The ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program is launching a new consumer campaign to increase demand for farm-raised catfish in Nigeria, creating opportunities for local farmers and potentially expanding demand for quality aquaculture feed, including U.S. soy. The campaign builds on consumer research across five Nigerian states, which found strong interest in catfish consumption and significant potential for market growth.
WISHH’s new campaign is buoyed by a finding that Nigerians want to each more catfish more often. Additionally, catfish production increased by 8% from 2014 to 2023, an increase of 12,370 metric tons. Since fish feed represents 23% of total feed demand in the country, the increase could eventually see a jump in quality feed demand.
WISHH’s campaign will address challenges to farm-raised fish consumption while encouraging farmers to strengthen production, teaching good feed practices, fish handling and supply consistency. By connecting consumer demand with stronger aquaculture value chains, WISHH aims to create a bigger market opportunity for Nigerian fish farmers, which could support the potential for increased demand for quality feed ingredients, including U.S. soy.