Empowering Youth and Women Through Sustainable Aquaculture: The Story of Constance Enyindah
In a world where food security and environmental sustainability are pressing concerns, innovative minds are stepping up to create impactful solutions. One of these changemakers is Constance Enyindah, a passionate fisheries researcher, aquaculturist, and the CEO of D’CONNIES FARMS VENTURE in Nigeria.
Constance’s journey is rooted in a deep desire to promote sustainable aquaculture practices that not only feed communities but also empower youth and women.
“I believe in contributing my knowledge to boost the fisheries industry through research and teaching, aiming towards sustainable development,” she says. Her inspiration to establish D’CONNIES FARMS VENTURE was driven by a strong commitment to promote food security and eradicate poverty through youth and women empowerment.
Promoting Sustainability Through Fish Production, Feed, and Value Addition
According to Constance, the pillars of sustainability in aquaculture lie in three interconnected subsectors — fish production, feed formulation, and value addition. Together, they form a cycle of efficiency that is environmentally responsible and economically viable. Sustainable fish production depends on responsible feed formulation, while successful fish farming provides raw materials for value addition, enhancing the entire value chain’s stability and profitability.
Innovating with Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Her curiosity and problem-solving mindset led her to explore Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as an innovative protein source for fish feed. “Many smallholder fish farms in Nigeria were shutting down due to the rising cost of fish feed
” She explains. “Since fishmeal—a key ingredient—is expensive and unsustainable, there was a need for a local, cost-effective alternative. BSF larvae proved to be a rich protein source that can revolutionize feed sustainability.”
Transforming Aquaculture in Nigeria Through Feed Sustainability
Constance envisions a future where feed sustainability transforms Nigerian aquaculture by reducing dependency on imported feed and encouraging the use of cost-effective alternatives such as insect protein, rice bran, and cassava flour. “Feed accounts for up to 70% of farmers’ operational costs,” she notes. “By supporting indigenous feed production, we can make feed affordable, reduce costs, and improve farmers’ livelihoods while achieving environmental sustainability and food security across Africa.”
Championing Women in Aquaculture
Nigeria is gradually recognizing the importance of women in aquaculture, and Constance is proud to be part of that change. Yet, she acknowledges challenges — especially limited access to resources and assets for research and farm expansion. To overcome this, she has focused on building networks and partnerships with NGOs, policymakers, academicians, and government officials. “These relationships will open doors to more resources, collaborations, and sponsorships,” she says confidently.
Building Connections: The Aquaculture Opportunities Network (AON)
Driven by her passion for collaboration, Constance founded the Aquaculture Opportunities Network (AON) — a platform connecting aquaculture professionals, researchers, investors, students, and policymakers to explore opportunities in the blue economy.
“AON bridges the gap between professionals and their access to opportunities,” she explains. The network shares global opportunities, organizes webinars and workshops, and fosters research collaborations. As membership grows, Constance believes its potential to influence the sector positively will expand significantly.
Collaboration for Innovation and Food Security
Constance emphasizes that innovation in aquaculture can only thrive through research collaboration and partnerships — across academia, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society.
“By exploring both local and international resources, we can strengthen innovation, enhance food security, and empower communities,” she adds.
Sustainable Practices for Environmental Balance
At the farm level, Constance advocates for key sustainable aquaculture practices that balance profitability and environmental health. These include:
- Proper feed management through precision feeding.
- Integrated systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
- Continuous water quality monitoring.
- Effective waste management systems.
“These practices are essential for maintaining environmental balance while ensuring profitability,” she notes.
Translating Research Into Impact
For Constance, research is not just about discovery — it’s about application and transformation. Whether through entrepreneurship or academia, she uses teaching and training to transfer research knowledge to farmers, students, and innovators.
“Sharing knowledge helps others adopt innovations and strengthens education in Nigeria,” she explains.
Empowering Youth and Women in the Blue Economy
Constance believes that youth and women are the backbone of Africa’s blue economy. Their role, she insists, is to adopt and promote new sustainable technologies such as mobile apps for farm management and automated feeding systems.
“They should continually upgrade their skills to become better entrepreneurs and advocates for sustainability.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Constance plans to transform D’CONNIES FARMS VENTURE into a research and training hub, equipping farmers with practical knowledge on BSF farming and other sustainable practices. At the same time, she envisions AON expanding globally, connecting aquaculture communities worldwide, and leveraging shared resources for collective growth.
Her advice to young aquaculture entrepreneurs is both simple and profound:
“Dream big, but start small. Build gradually, leverage networks, and never stop contributing to a sustainable future in aquaculture.”
Empowering Youth and Women Through Sustainable Aquaculture: The Story of Constance Enyindah
