Global Fish Feed Prices

From Insect Larvae to Investor Interest – Inside the Critical Shift Reshaping Africa’s Blue Economy Image: Modern aquaculture operations are expanding across Sub-Saharan Africa, but their success hinges on a single critical input: feed.  If you follow global food systems, you’ve heard the narrative:  Sub-Saharan Africa is on the cusp of a Blue Revolution.  With the world’s fastest-growing population, a pressing need for sustainable protein, and vast untapped aquatic resources, the continent’s potential in aquaculture is undeniable. The FAO reports that Africa’s fish farming output has grown faster than any other region globally over the past decade. Yet, behind every statistic of growth lies a fundamental, often overlooked challenge:  What are the fish eating? The answer to that question is the single greatest determinant of whether this potential will be realized or lost. In this deep dive, we move beyond the high-level optimism to examine the engine room of the aqu...

  Aquaculture in East Africa has garnered significant attention in recent years, with numerous initiatives and government programs designed to stimulate growth and encourage youth participation. However, for the sector to achieve its full potential, it is imperative that aquaculture be treated as a business rather than merely a beneficiary of subsidized programs. This blog post explores the current state of aquaculture in East Africa, examines existing initiatives, and argues for a more business-oriented approach to ensure sustainable success. The State of Aquaculture in East Africa Aquaculture, the farming of fish and other aquatic organisms, is increasingly recognized as a vital industry in East Africa. Countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda are investing in this sector to enhance food security, create employment, and promote economic growth. However, despite the growth and potential of aquaculture, the sector still faces challenges, including inadequate infrastruc...

 Fish farming, particularly tilapia farming, holds significant promise for addressing food security and economic development in East Africa. However, small-scale farmers face numerous challenges that hinder their progress, with feed distribution being a primary concern. In this detailed blog post, we will explore the complexities of feed distribution in East Africa, its impact on small-scale farmers, and the broader challenges of fish prices and market accessibility. The Importance of Fish Feed in Aquaculture Fish feed is crucial for the growth and health of farmed fish. It constitutes the largest operational cost in fish farming, often accounting for 50-70% of total production expenses. Quality feed ensures healthy fish growth, high survival rates, and optimal harvest sizes. However, inconsistent or inadequate feed distribution can severely impact these outcomes, leading to economic losses and stunted industry growth. Challenges in Fish Feed Distribution Logistical Constraints : E...

Fish farming is a crucial sector for food security and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, one of the major challenges faced by fish farmers in the region is the high cost of fish feed, which significantly impacts the profitability and competitiveness of locally farmed tilapia against cheaper imports, particularly from China. The Challenge of Fish Feed Costs The average price of fish feed in Sub-Saharan Africa is around Ksh 150 per kilogram. Coupled with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.5, the cost of feeding fish becomes a substantial part of the overall production cost. FCR is a critical metric in aquaculture, indicating the efficiency with which fish convert feed into body mass. An FCR of 1.5 means that 1.5 kilograms of feed are required to produce 1 kilogram of fish. Cost Comparison: Local vs. Imported Tilapia In Kenya, the wholesale price of tilapia from large-scale farmers is Ksh 300 per kilogram. However, smaller-scale farmers face intense competition from Chinese ...