Development and Construction of an Automatic Fish Feeder

Nigeria faces a persistent fish supply deficit, making aquaculture expansion essential for food security and economic growth. However, manual feeding in fish farming remains labor-intensive, inconsistent, and inefficient, often resulting in feed wastage, poor water quality, and reduced productivity. To address this challenge, a solar-powered automatic fish feeder was designed and fabricated using locally sourced materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Teflon to ensure cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of maintenance. The system comprises a screw conveyor driven by a 12 V DC motor powered by a rechargeable battery, which is sustained by photovoltaic cells. With a storage capacity of 6 kg and dispensing capability for feed sizes of 4–6 mm, the feeder delivered an average of 0.89 kg per minute during tests. Performance evaluation demonstrated 99% efficiency, minimal feed loss, and reliable operation across different feed sizes and intervals. Compared with existing imported feeders, this prototype offers a more affordable and adaptable solution for small- and medium-scale Nigerian fish farms. The innovation not only reduces labor costs and feed wastage but also contributes to sustainable aquaculture practices and enhanced fish growth performance, highlighting its potential as a scalable technology for improving food security in resource-limited settings.