Introduction This study examines catfish rearing and food security for sustainable economic growth in Ilaro environment, Ogun State, Nigeria. Catfish rearing is a process of growing catfish from fingerlings to table sized level for the purpose of human consumption which adds to local production of a nation towards food security. On the other hand, food security exists when all people at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. The four dimension of food security depicts: Availability (National), Accessibility (Household), Utilization (Individual) and Stability which may be considered as a time dimension that affects all the levels. By highlighting the role of catfish rearing in improving food security, increasing household incomes, and fostering economic resilience. This study investigates the socio-economic impact of catfish farming within the ilaro demographic, identifying both the benefits and the challenges faced by local famers and proffering solutions to them. The study proposes strategies for promoting sustainable and profitable catfish farming practices. Methodology The study was a survey of one hundred fish farmers in Ilaro community, where questionnaires were administered. The Mean method was used and a four Likert Scale rating was adopted for the data analysis of 2.5 acceptance level. Results and Discussion It was discovered from the study that Catfish rearing with its relatively low capital investment and high local production potential, offers significant opportunities for enhancing food availability, particularly for low-to medium-income households. Ilaro has a growing population of 59,098 and a density of 6,717 people per square kilometer from 2015 data, water and land resources are also available for a full-scale catfish rearing. This research aims to contribute to the development of a more robust local economy in Ilaro metropolis. Also, securing food security is best considered is a linked pathway from production to consumption, through distribution to processing. The profitability analysis revealed lack of profit among small and medium farms although some of the small (50%) and medium (40%) farms also made profit (NFI). The feed and maintenance were the most significant factors influencing catfish production but years of experience of farmers contribute to knowledge of management practices which has resulted in profit. The study concludes that lack of profitability in most of the farms could not be totally attributed to lack of technical efficiency alone but also to poor economic situation of the state. It was recommended among other things that the Federal Government of Nigeria should empower Catfish farmers by giving them necessary and adequate grants with no interest towards food sustainability. Keywords: Catfish, Rearing, Food, Security, Sustainable
OLUGBENRO NOAH BUSAYO, ODERINDE OLUWAFEMI AKINWUNMI