Assessment of the Level Development of Fish Farming in San Pedro, Côte d’ivoire

Abstract

The development of fish farming in the San Pedro region of Côte d’Ivoire was assessed through a descriptive survey conducted between March and May 2026. The study aimed to evaluate the current level of aquaculture development by analysing farm characteristics, production systems, cultured species, feeding practices and the socio-economic profiles of stakeholders. Data were collected from 11 active fish farms through structured interviews with farm managers and direct field observations. The results showed that fish farming in the region is relatively recent, with more than 70% of farms established within the last five years. The production systems were predominantly semi-intensive (81.8%), followed by intensive systems (18.2%). Earthen ponds were the most commonly used production structures (81.1%), whereas metal tanks (18.1%) and concrete tanks (9.1%) were less frequent. Water for aquaculture systems was mainly derived from dams (45.5%), followed by diversion streams (27.27%), boreholes (27.27%) and groundwater (9.1%). The socio-economic analysis revealed that farm owners and managers were mostly male and relatively young, with many managers having at least primary or secondary education. However, technical supervision remained limited on most farms. Oreochromis niloticus was the dominant cultured species, either in monoculture or in polyculture systems with catfish species. Feeding practices were largely based on industrial feed. Overall, fish farming in San Pedro is emerging but remains constrained by limited technical supervision, farm diversification and infrastructure.