The Economic Challenges of Tilapia Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa
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