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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Comparative review of tilapia aquaculture in Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone
Authors
Samuel Ifeanyi Ogbuagu, Obadara Emmanuel Ogundeji, Esther Edith Kargbo, Jimkuta Chindo, Hassan Opeyemi Ogunyejo
Abstract
Tilapia aquaculture is a strategic pillar of
food security, employment, and economic development in West Africa, with
Nigeria and Ghana as dominant producers and Sierra Leone representing a
developing but less consolidated sector. Although these countries share broadly
similar agroecological conditions and rising demand for fish protein, their
aquaculture industries have evolved along divergent trajectories shaped by
differences in production systems, governance frameworks, institutional
capacity, and value-chain organization. This review comparatively analyses
tilapia aquaculture in Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone to identify key drivers
of growth, structural constraints, and policy-relevant lessons for sustainable
sector development. Based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies, policy
documents, and institutional reports, the review reveals marked disparities in
production intensity and commercialization. Ghana’s tilapia industry is
characterized by advanced commercialization, dominated by cage culture on Lake
Volta, supported by relatively robust regulatory systems, strong private-sector
investment, and more consistent access to quality feed and seed. In contrast,
Nigeria’s tilapia production remains predominantly small-scale and pond-based,
constrained by high feed costs, variable fingerling quality, infrastructure
deficits, and uneven policy implementation. Sierra Leone’s sector is
comparatively nascent, dominated by smallholder pond systems with limited
technological adoption, weak hatchery and feed industries, and heavy reliance
on external support. Despite abundant freshwater resources and favorable
environmental conditions, growth in Sierra Leone is impeded by limited access
to finance, weak extension services, and insufficient market integration. Common
challenges across the three countries include rising input costs, disease
risks, environmental pressures, and increasing vulnerability to climate
variability. While Ghana faces ecological concerns associated with intensive
cage farming, Nigeria exhibits significant untapped potential due to its
extensive inland water resources and large domestic market, and Sierra Leone
illustrates both the structural constraints and inclusive development
opportunities of emerging aquaculture systems. The review concludes that
sustainable expansion of tilapia aquaculture in West Africa will depend on
strengthened regulatory enforcement, improved hatchery and feed systems,
enhanced farmer capacity, and adoption of environmentally responsible
production practices, complemented by regional collaboration and harmonized
standards to enhance resilience and long-term productivity.
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Pages:41-49
How to cite this article:
Samuel Ifeanyi Ogbuagu, Obadara Emmanuel Ogundeji, Esther Edith Kargbo, Jimkuta Chindo, Hassan Opeyemi Ogunyejo "Comparative review of tilapia aquaculture in Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 41-49
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