Calls For Sustainable Aquaculture Growth At Continental ANAF Meeting In Kenya

NAIVASHA, Kenya, Jan 16- To address the twin challenges of food security and poverty, the African continent has been challenged to invest more in the aquaculture sector- which remains largely unexploited.

More than 100 stakeholders drawn from all the African states are currently meeting in Kenya to deliberate on ways to enhance the growth of the sector by adopting measures to address the persisting challenges like lack of capital for small-scale farmers.

The three-day 2nd General Assembly Congress of Aquaculture for Africa (ANAF) is being hosted by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) at the lakeside city of Naivasha.

ANAF interim chairperson Semoli Belemane said sustainable aquaculture practices are essential to meet the rising demand for protein-rich food in Africa's burgeoning population.

By cultivating fish and other aquatic species in controlled environments, he said the sector provides a reliable and efficient means of year-round production, mitigating the impact of seasonal variations on food availability.

This, he said, not only enhances food security but also offers a sustainable source of income for communities engaged in aquaculture.

“The majority of ANAF Member States have prioritized the aquaculture sector as a key component of the Oceans Economy now commonly referred to as the Blue Economy,” he said.

“We recognize the potential for aquaculture that can contribute meaningfully towards the food and nutrition sector, job creation, economic development, livelihoods and rural development.”

He made the remarks on Monday when the event started.

Stakeholders drawn from various sectors, including the Kenyan government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said the benefits of a thriving aquaculture sector extend beyond economic gains.

Small-scale fish farming, in particular, empowers local communities by creating employment opportunities, especially for women who often play crucial roles in these operations.

The sector also fosters entrepreneurship, allowing individuals and communities to build resilience against economic uncertainties.

“According to the FAO, fisheries and aquaculture have been crucial in the fight against hunger and poverty, with approximately 600 million people worldwide depending on the sector for their livelihoods and providing 3.3 billion people with almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of animal protein,” ANIFA interim chairperson said.

He pointed out that “aquaculture continues to show faster growth compared to other major food production sectors, and this sector is very important going forward if we are to meet the ever-increasing demand for fish products.”

Furthermore, sustainable aquaculture practices promote environmental conservation.

When managed responsibly, aquaculture can reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, preventing overfishing and habitat destruction.

By adopting eco-friendly technologies and practices, the sector can contribute to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems, the stakeholders said.

Speaking to journalists at the sideline of the event, East Africa Commission (EAC) Senior Livestock Officer David Balikowa said for the sector to thrive, there is a need to address challenges such as lack of information and lack of quality fish feed and fingerlings.

“There is a huge potential for the sector to create employment and empower communities,” he said.