Nigeria

NIGERIA DESERT IMPORTANCE FOR SALINE AND BRACKISH WATER AQUACULTURE AND FISH FARMING

Introduction:

Brackish water aquaculture has proven to be a successful and profitable project, utilizing barren and desert lands for sustainable economic development. Nigeria, with its vast desert areas and substantial underground water resources, presents a promising opportunity to expand the implementation of this innovative technique. Nigeria’s desert lands offer significant potential for brackish water aquaculture due to their vast expanse and availability of underground water resources. By harnessing these resources, Nigeria can diversify its aquaculture industry, increase seafood production, and contribute to food security and economic growth.

1. Total Mainland and Desert Area:

Nigeria, located in West Africa, has a total mainland area of approximately 923,768 square kilometers (356,669 square miles). While Nigeria is not primarily known for its deserts, it does include regions with desert-like characteristics. The most notable desert-like areas in Nigeria are in the northern states, including parts of Borno, Yobe, and Kebbi. These regions consist of vast expanses of barren land suitable for brackish water aquaculture.

2. Climate:

Nigeria experiences a diverse range of climates due to its geographical location. The northern regions, where the desert areas are located, have a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate. Summers are characterized by high temperatures, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), while winters are relatively mild with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This climate provides favorable conditions for brackish water aquaculture throughout the year.

3. Terrain:

The desert areas in Nigeria are characterized by flat or undulating terrains with sandy soils and limited vegetation. The terrain is predominantly covered by shrubs, grasses, and scattered trees. This type of terrain is well-suited for brackish water aquaculture systems, as it allows for efficient construction and management of ponds.

4. Rainfall:

The desert regions in Nigeria experience low annual rainfall, typically ranging between 100 and 500 millimeters (4 to 20 inches) [3]. While the precipitation levels are relatively low, brackish water aquaculture systems can overcome this challenge by utilizing controlled water supply methods, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient water management techniques.

5. Underground Water and Salinity Levels:

The success of brackish water aquaculture relies on the availability of underground water sources with suitable salinity levels. Nigeria is endowed with substantial underground water resources, including aquifers. Detailed studies and assessments are required to determine the specific salinity levels of the underground water in the desert areas of Nigeria. However, it is important to note that in some regions, the salinity levels may range from slightly brackish to highly saline, which can be suitable for cultivating certain brackish water species.

6. Potential Income Generation:

Based on the collection rate of $2,877 per acre mentioned earlier, let’s estimate the potential income that can be generated by utilizing the wasteland/desert land in Nigeria. To obtain a specific estimation, we would require accurate data on the desert land area available in Nigeria. However, let’s assume a hypothetical scenario where 10,000 acres of desert land are utilized for brackish water aquaculture.

• Potential Income = Collection Rate per Acre * Total Acreage
• Potential Income = $2,877 * 10,000 acres
• Potential Income = $28,770,000

Therefore, by utilizing 10,000 acres of wasteland/desert land in Nigeria for brackish water aquaculture, the projected income would be approximately $28,770,000.

7. Suitable Brackish Water Species:

In brackish water aquaculture, it is crucial to identify suitable species that can thrive in the specific salinity levels of the water. Some brackish water species that could be considered for aquaculture in Nigeria include certain types of shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and mullet. These species are known to adapt well to brackish water conditions and have commercial value in domestic and international markets.

8. Economic Benefits:

Implementing brackish water aquaculture in Nigeria’s desert lands can bring numerous economic benefits. It can generate employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, where job opportunities are often limited. Additionally, it can contribute to the development of aquaculture value chains, including processing, packaging, and distribution, thereby boosting the local economy.

9. Environmental Sustainability:

Brackish water aquaculture can also offer environmental sustainability benefits. By utilizing barren desert lands, it minimizes the need for converting natural ecosystems such as forests or wetlands for aquaculture purposes. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to restore degraded lands and promote biodiversity conservation by implementing proper land and water management practices.

Brackish water aquaculture presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to utilize its desert lands effectively, contribute to the aquaculture sector’s growth, and address food security challenges. By combining technological advancements, government support, and sustainable practices, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of brackish water aquaculture and become a leader in the field.

References:

1. “Nigeria – Land area (sq. km)” – World Bank (worldbank.org)

2. “Climate of Nigeria” – Nigeria Meteorological Agency (nimet.gov.ng)

3. “Rainfall in Nigeria” – Nigeria Meteorological Agency (nimet.gov.ng)