This study examined value chain mapping and the distribution of value added among actors in the catfish value chain in Southwestern Nigeria. With the aid of a questionnaire and interview schedule, a multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 360 participants, comprising 52 input suppliers, 85 producers, 83 processors, 86 marketers, and 54 consumers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, value chain mapping, net income analysis, value-added share models, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed that the primary actors in the chain were input suppliers, producers, processors, marketers, and consumers, while research, financial services, and legislative activities were provided by support actors. The total value added within the system was estimated at ₦10,180/kg, with respective value-added shares of 6.8%, 19.4%, 34.5%, and 39.2% for input suppliers, producers, processors, and marketers. These differences were statistically significant at the 5% level. This outcome indicates that marketers derive the greatest benefits from their activities, while producers receive relatively limited returns despite their central role in sustaining the chain.  The study recommends interventions that enhance producers’ capacity to capture greater value through improved bargaining power, cooperative organization, contract farming schemes, and direct market linkages. Such measures would not only improve producers’ livelihoods but also foster inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.

Keywords: actors, catfish, value chain map, and value-added share