WOFAN BAGS the Outstanding Achievement in Grassroots Empowerment Award for the First Distinguished Nigerian Merit Awards organised by Africa Recruit UK in collaboration with The Network For Women In Agriculture And Environment, at The 3rd Annual African Diaspora Investment Forum. 23rd – 25th November 2006. London, United Kingdom. For Citation on Hajia Salamatu Garba click here
	WOFAN NEWSLETTER - Nov/ Dec 2004 Edition Graduation of Pre-School children from WOFAN supported Learning Centre File Format: PDF Download Size: 1.95MB Right Click on the picture and select "Save As"

NEED TO BOOST FISH FARMING - by Hafast Bello Adamu (Secretary of WOFAN secretariat)

Fish is a good source of protein that contains an appreciable amount of fat. It also provides a good supply of minerals and vitamins, which are important components in a balanced diet. It is sold in many forms, raw, cooked frozen or smoked, and in whatever form, still good for consumption and of course adds a great flavor to the cooking.

Fish products obtained from marine fish industries include: iced fish, frozen fish, salted fish, smoked fish, processed canned fish, fish silage and fish meal. Although such by-products are not processed and commercialized, they are extensively done in the developed countries, due to lack of skilled knowledge and technological equipment.

These by-products include: Corals, pearls, Cowries shells obtained from the shell- fish (Crabs and Molluscs) and are made into various decorative items. Ink from the molluse is manufactured into royal purple dye and artist ink. Scales of fish are also made into brush and umbrella handles etc. Also hides of shakes Salmon and Cod are manufactured into leather for use in bags, belts, shoes etc. Glue is also obtained from cod and haddock.

Fish and its by-products are also of great importance to the industrial sector and economic growth of Nigeria. They serve a useful purpose in economic development of a Nation. Employment, income, foreign exchange and also recreational activities are major benefits desired from fish and it's by-products. Fish is used as biological control agents in controlling mosquito infested ponds by feeding on larvae. Weed growth is also controlled by herbivorous fish (e.g Cichlids) especially in irrigation areas, to allow smooth channeling of water.

Scientists use fish as excellent subjects. For study and anatomy, physiology, Ecology and Evolution. Many Cichlids are used in research in Ethology and experimental psychology of fish. In medicine, the oil from cod- fish is used especially in the production of cod liver oil for medication. Certain fish products like fish meat and fish silage are used to feed livestock. Fish oil is used to manufacture margarine, which is used in cooking. Canned products and champs are good products of export and this leads to linking of Nigeria with other fish Nations.

Fish has also played a very important role in industrial development by paving way for industries to be constructed and providing better education on fish and its conservation. Furthermore, as a very healthy source of first class protein exceeds meat which most sick or aged people are made to exempt health and longer life. This is because despite the fact that some of these meat animals and also fish could contain diseases and poisons, fish is still less harmful and contains more ions and vitamins. Therefore, it would be seen that there is still a lot of opportunity for fisheries development in Nigeria , especially croaker species which constitutes up to 80% of the travel landings in Nigeria .

It is saddening, however, that there is still a very wide gap between production and demand, and if more fish farming is adopted, Nigeria could be self reliant in fish protein by the year 2000, and meet up the required average animal protein intake identified as the indicator and determinant of dietary quality in Nigeria, which is at present low, about 6.5kg per day, per person compared to the 19.63kg per capital, per person as recommended by food and agricultural organization (FAO) for the maintenance of good health. Fish is highly nutritious and large local production of it at cheaper prices could also benefit the health of many Nigerians.