The Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN) has intensified efforts to attract young people into fish farming through training and mentorship.
The association said it was targeting students studying fisheries and agriculture in Nigerian universities to strengthen the aquaculture subsector.
LASCAFAN State Chairman, Mr Olatoye Fajimi, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Thursday in Lagos.
Fajimi said the initiative would integrate younger farmers into aquaculture, noting that many existing practitioners were ageing.
“Our focus is on students studying Fisheries and Agriculture because they have acquired theoretical knowledge over four to five years,” he said.
He added that about 80 per cent of graduates in the disciplines did not pursue careers in fisheries after completing their studies.
According to him, inadequate practical exposure remains a major reason many graduates do not venture into fish farming.
Fajimi said LASCAFAN had partnered universities offering fisheries and agriculture programmes to provide students with three to six months of practical training on member farms.
He explained that the programme complemented classroom learning and exposed students to opportunities across the fisheries value chain.
“We also mentor them so they avoid mistakes many of us made when we started our businesses,” he said.
Fajimi noted that some beneficiaries returned during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to undertake primary assignments on member farms for additional practical experience.
He said the association also linked young fish farmers with opportunities offered by governments, non-governmental organisations and international development partners.
According to him, many youths were unaware of available empowerment programmes or lacked the knowledge to access and utilise them effectively.
He added that some beneficiaries also struggled to sustain their businesses after receiving grants because of avoidable mistakes.
Fajimi said LASCAFAN therefore provided continuous mentorship to help young entrepreneurs remain stable beyond the first five years of business.
He said the association also partnered the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme in Araga, Epe, to train aspiring fish farmers.
According to him, participants receive one month of in-house training followed by a three-month internship.
He said the programme equipped participants with practical skills to establish and manage profitable fish farming enterprises using best aquaculture practices.
Fajimi also disclosed that LASCAFAN introduced research grants for final-year students to address challenges facing the aquaculture industry.
He said research topics were selected from priority areas identified by members through regular consultations.
“The association raises funds to support approved projects either partly or fully, depending on the research cost,” he said.
Fajimi added that this year’s research would focus on marketing strategies to increase fish consumption and improve retail marketing in Nigeria.
