Fishing has been the main source of livelihoods for many communities in northeast Nigeria, especially in Borno State which borders Lake Chad.

However, long-running armed conflict in the region has caused one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world. Fishing in Lake Chad has been banned on security grounds, depriving fisherfolk of their livelihoods.

Besides losing income, the local communities were also exposed to food insecurity and malnutrition since they heavily depended on fish as the main source of protein and other essential nutrients. Many fled the insurgency, abandoning their farmlands and fishing areas to seek safety.

In April 2019, FAO launched its first aquaculture intervention in Borno State, with the aim of providing these communities, particularly youths and women, with alternative sources of income and protein-rich food. FAO trained them in safe and sustainable aquaculture practices, and provided them with equipment and continued technical assistance to embark on aquaculture and realize good harvests from their fish tanks.