Fish farming · 2026 project
First cycle of 1,000 fingerlings
The FAMZ fish project starts in the coming weeks. It starts small and measured: a pilot cycle of 1,000 African catfish fingerlings (Clarias gariepinus), raised in above-ground tanks and in the farm ponds, with close monitoring of water, feed and growth.
The method
Check in the field before investing
Two survey sheets prepare the cycle. They replace assumptions with local data from Sikasso.
Interview with the specialist
Strain and approved fingerling supplier, density suited to the ponds, water-quality thresholds (temperature, pH, oxygen, ammonia), water renewal, feed and ration, grading, common diseases, realistic survival, regulations and staff training.
The Sikasso market
Which fish is most eaten after catfish, at what price, in what form (live, fresh, smoked, dried), where it comes from, and which buyers to contact. Nile tilapia is the candidate species to be confirmed.
A decision scored out of 100
Each species is scored on nine weighted criteria; the species with the best score once the Sikasso data are validated is selected.
Indicative business plan
Clarias or tilapia?
Comparison for 1,000 fingerlings. Feed and fingerling prices will be replaced by those obtained from the specialist and Sikasso suppliers.
CriterionClarias gariepinusNile tilapia
Fingerlings in the scenario1,0001,000 (all-male recommended)
Assumed survival80%85%
Target sale weight0.80 kg0.50 kg
Fish sold640 kg425 kg
Sikasso reference price (June 2026)1,625 FCFA/kg2,250 FCFA/kg
Indicative revenue1,040,000 FCFA956,250 FCFA
Indicative costs786,000 FCFA600,000 FCFA (to be confirmed)
Indicative margin254,000 FCFA356,250 FCFA
Duration≈ 5 to 6 months≈ 5 to 8 months
Main strengthHardiness, demand, large size possibleHigh local price, omnivorous diet
Main riskCannibalism, water quality, feed costBreeding and growth if not all-male, oxygen
Proposed decisionPilot-cycle speciesParallel study, then cycle 2
Calculation check: Clarias 1,000 × 80% × 0.80 kg = 640 kg × 1,625 FCFA = 1,040,000 FCFA; Tilapia 1,000 × 85% × 0.50 kg = 425 kg × 2,250 FCFA = 956,250 FCFA.
Start-up quote
Equipment and inputs for 1,000 fingerlings
ItemQuantityAmount (FCFA)
5 m³ above-ground tanks2400,000
Fingerlings1,000 × 150150,000
Starter feed1 bag26,000
Pre-grower feed3 bags × 22,00066,000
Grower feed6 bags × 20,000120,000
Antibiotics and vitamins—17,500
Dip net110,000
pH meter150,000
Oxygen150,000
Total889,500
The two above-ground tanks (400,000 FCFA) and the testing equipment can be reused for later cycles.
Decision criteria
What matters in choosing the species
Fingerling availability10
Feed price and quality15
Local survival10
Growth rate10
Fit with FAMZ ponds15
Selling price15
Demand and ease of sale15
Health risk5
Technical ease5
Timeline
From pond to plate
- August 2026Visit to a fingerling producer in Sikasso.
- Before stockingInterview with the Sikasso specialist: density, water, feed, health, market, regulations.
- PreparationPonds checked (depth, drainage, protection), above-ground tanks installed, water-testing equipment ready.
- Month 1Arrival of the 1,000 fingerlings, starter feed, daily monitoring.
- Months 2 to 5Pre-growing then growing, regular weighing and grading against cannibalism.
- Months 5 to 6Harvest and sale, cycle review and choice of species for cycle 2.
Organisation
Who does what
Fish-farming lead
Feeding, weighing, water, mortality and stock.
FAMZ administrator
Purchases, cash, sales and quantity reconciliation.
Management
Approval of expenses and purchase contracts, weekly review of indicators.
Regional technician
Protocol validation, start-up visit, diagnosis in case of incident.
FAMZ ERP
Records by pond and batch: feed, weighing, mortality, sales.
