Fishing and Food Security among Niger’s Lake Chad Riparian Communities

Fishing is a major socioeconomic activity for the Nigerien communities living along Lake Chad. This article aims to analyze its contribution to the food security of these communities. The methodological approach adopted is mixed, with both descriptive and analytical objectives, combining a literature review and field surveys of stakeholders in the sector. The study sample consisted of 166 fishermen and 90 fish vendors. The results highlight the presence of a diverse fish fauna comprising nineteen (19) species, namely: Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Clarias anguillaris, Heterotis niloticus, Lates niloticus, Gymnarchus niloticus, Labeo senegalensis, Alestes baremoze, Alestes dentex, Hydrocynus brevis, Bagrus bajad, Barbus batesii, Labeo cubie, Malapterurus electricus, Mormyrus caschive, Mormyrus rume, Polypterus senegalus senegalus, Protopterus annectens, and Clarias theodorae. This species diversity ensures the supply of local and external markets and promotes diversification in fish consumption for the benefit of both riparian and non-riparian populations. The study also reveals the dual socioeconomic role of fishing both as a source of income and a means of subsistence contributing to job creation and enhanced food security. The results indicate that 96% of the catch is sold, while only 4% is for personal consumption. Furthermore, the fish trade provides more than 50% of the income for 71.1% of the merchants surveyed, enabling them to support their households; 38.9% of them are entirely dependent on this income.