Guide to Large Scale Production of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges.

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production sectors to every household in Nigeria. Products from aquaculture such as fish food supply protein to household protein. However, biosafety of food products from aquaculture is now considered as public health concern in Nigeria. This is due to the nature and component of materials used as rearing facilities on the fish farm. Elimination of unwanted fishes and other predators is a common practice among fish farmers in Nigeria prior to stocking of desirable fish fingerlings. The use of synthetic pesticides to eliminate unwanted fishes and other predators in pond is persistent and could get into the food chain. Thus, the use of environmentally safe natural pesticides as an alternative is being embraced in aquaculture because they have a short time of toxicity disappearance and biodegradable. This will enhance the principles of sustainable aquaculture production and its management in Nigeria. In Southwestern Nigeria, there is little or no information on commercial production of Moringa oleifera for aquaculture purpose. There is the need for future development on Moringa production on commercial scale in Southwestern Nigeria and elsewhere in the tropics for sustainable aquaculture development. The paper therefore reviewed possible guide to Moringa oleifera production, methodology for its potential application in sustainable aquaculture development in Southwestern Nigeria. Possible prospects and challenges to encounter during commercial production were discussed.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, commercial, Sustainable aquaculture, Southwestern Nigeria