This is Africa

Salima: Michael Usi, Malawi’s Minister of Climate Change and Natural Resources, has called upon the country’s fisheries department and all stakeholders in the fishing industry to prioritize the production and preservation of fish for export. This appeal was made during the launch of ‘The Save Chambo Campaign’ in Salima on Wednesday, focusing on creating an enabling environment for small-scale fisheries.

Minister Usi commended the department’s recent impressive performance in fisheries activities, citing its increased fish production capacity. Expressing confidence in the department’s capabilities, he urged them to channel their efforts towards exporting substantial quantities of fish in 2024, contributing to foreign currency generation for the country.

In emphasizing the importance of discipline within the fish sector, Usi declared measures to protect the fishing industry, including prohibiting fishing during breeding seasons. He asserted that discipline is crucial for achieving progress and success in the sector.

George Phiri, a representative responsible for Programs at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Malawi, affirmed the potential of fish as a foreign exchange earner for the country. He pledged ongoing support from the organization to ensure the growth of the fishing industry, benefitting numerous communities.

Phiri expressed optimism about the industry’s continued expansion in Malawi, anticipating increased fish exports. Beston Tobias, a member of the Ngodzi Fish Cooperative in Salima, lauded the fisheries department for its consistent support and promotion of value addition in fish, contributing to enhanced income for the community.

Zimbabwe is eyeing the transformation of its fisheries and aquaculture sector into a substantial US$1 billion industry. Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, emphasized the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food security during the official opening of a two-day Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy review in Harare.

The policy review aims to enhance coordination and coherence in fish management across Africa, with Mr. Anozie stressing the urgency for the continent to accelerate its efforts. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable development and economic growth within the fisheries sector.

Policy development consultant Dr. Medicine Masiiwa highlighted the importance of Zimbabwe aligning its policies with international standards. He pointed out the need for improvements in the current fisheries and aquaculture policies, addressing gaps in the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) to meet regional and international best practices. The PFRS for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa focuses on key policy areas such as conservation and sustainable resource use.

Zimbabwe took a significant step in 2021 by establishing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD), recognizing the sector’s potential to make a substantial contribution to agriculture. Ongoing initiatives, including fish dam stocking, dam construction, and fish cage farming, reflect the government’s commitment to harnessing the sector’s potential.

The results are already visible, with fish production increasing from approximately 14,000 tonnes annually to the current 18,000 tonnes. This growth has translated into the creation of over 50,000 jobs nationwide, marking a positive trend in Zimbabwe’s pursuit of economic development through fisheries and aquaculture.

Tanzania’s Great Lakes fisheries researchers, affiliated with the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), are experiencing enhanced efficiency in water quality monitoring and eco-environmental studies. This positive shift follows the receipt of cutting-edge research equipment donated by the Chinese government through the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in April 2023.

Baraka Sekadende, Director of TAFIRI’s Mwanza center, expressed the institute’s newfound ease in conducting research, particularly in monitoring water quality in the Great Lakes. The state-of-the-art equipment, including microscopes, spectrophotometers, and deionized water generators, has significantly facilitated research activities in Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Lake Victoria plays a crucial role as a water source for fisheries, aquaculture, and domestic use in various regions. Ismael Kimirei, the Director General of TAFIRI, highlighted the instrumental role of the donated equipment in a strategic environmental assessment for the “Building Better Tomorrow for Livestock and Fisheries Entrepreneurs” (BBT-LIFE) initiative. This initiative aims to enhance youth participation in livestock and fisheries entrepreneurship.

Kimirei emphasized the timeliness of the equipment, citing its contribution to successful sampling campaigns and the generation of valuable data. The outcomes of the strategic environmental assessment in Lake Victoria will aid the government in advising on the best practices for managing cage fish farming in the lake.

The collaboration between TAFIRI and the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology dates back to 2008, resulting in numerous joint projects and research articles. To strengthen this partnership, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Tanzania signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in July 2023. This agreement aims to establish a joint laboratory benefiting both Chinese and Tanzanian researchers and others in the Lake Victoria region.

Ismael Kimirei outlined TAFIRI’s vision of becoming a center of excellence in fisheries and aquaculture research in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, emphasizing the necessity of advanced equipment to achieve this goal.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has unveiled fisheries and aquaculture projects with the aim of catalysing economic transformation in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the launch of the Lake Kariba Inshore Fisheries Management Plan in Kariba, FAO representative to Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini, Patrice Talla, emphasized that these initiatives would drive “blue transformation,” dedicated to fostering sustainability and resilience in local communities.

The Lake Kariba Inshore Fisheries Management Plan, a product of the technical co-operation programme (TCP) between Zimbabwe and FAO, is designed to enhance community resilience and sustainability in small-scale fisheries around Lake Kariba.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Talla highlighted significant progress despite the hurdles. He commended the collaborative efforts involving the FAO project team, government officials, fishers, and various stakeholders. Talla expressed gratitude to the implementing partner, the Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development Institute of the University of Zimbabwe, for its role in training fishers and stakeholders, as well as spearheading the development of the Fisheries Management Plan.

“The TCP project outputs, including the Fisheries Management Plan, contribute to the achievement of national targets outlined in key frameworks such as the National Development Strategy 1 (2020-25) and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy: 2020-30,” remarked Talla. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the sustainability of small-scale fisheries in Lake Kariba to improve fisheries management, bolster food security, and drive economic growth.

The FAO’s fisheries and aquaculture initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in reshaping Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, fostering environmental sustainability, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

To enhance food security, the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN) is urging the establishment of a national Task Force on fisheries. The aim is to bolster organizational capacities and foster the active participation of fishing communities in shaping and implementing policies.

The FCFN emphasizes that the fisheries sector has the potential to alleviate poverty, eradicate hunger, and enhance income for millions of households through fish capture, processing, trade, and related industries.

The FCFN, in its proposal titled “Revitalization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry of Nigeria for Sustainable Creation and Revenue Generation,” underscores the sector’s multifaceted role in the national economy, which often goes undocumented in statistical systems.

The cooperative asserts that with proper attention, the fisheries sector can significantly contribute to achieving food security and poverty reduction, aligning with global development goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The FCFN report points out that the fishery sector plays crucial roles, providing direct and indirect employment, with an estimated 10 million fishers in sub-Saharan Africa, including 7 million from West and Central Africa. The cooperative stresses the importance of recognizing all activities, from catching and farming to processing, trade, and catering, to obtain an accurate estimate of the total value added by the sector.

In its recommendations to the government, the FCFN calls for the establishment of a national Task Force for poverty alleviation in fisheries, aiming to empower fishing communities in policy formulation and implementation.

Additionally, the cooperative advocates for support to small-scale producers to access national and international markets, addressing vulnerabilities that hinder their capacity to contribute to poverty reduction and engage in resource management and fisheries policy-making.

The FCFN’s proactive stance underscores the critical role the fisheries sector can play in Nigeria’s economic development, emphasizing the need for strategic policies and collaborative efforts to harness its full potential for the benefit of local communities and the national economy.

Man-made flooding in the Volta Lake area of Ghana has resulted in staggering losses for tilapia farmers, initially estimated at ₵46 million (approximately €3.7 million / USD$3.9 million), according to the Ghana Chamber of Aquaculture. The flooding occurred during the “controlled spillage” of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority in September and October to prevent damage to hydropower facilities due to increased water levels.

The floods wreaked havoc on tilapia aquaculture facilities, destroying over 500 tilapia cages, impacting live fish stock, brood stocks, and fingerlings. Several hatcheries close to the Volta River were also submerged. The total losses are expected to rise as further water spillage occurs, revealing the full extent of the damage.

The Ghana Chamber of Aquaculture called on the government and supporting agencies to assist affected fish farmers and urged farmers to secure aquaculture insurance for future risk mitigation. The chamber also emphasized the need for better communication from the Volta River Authority to stakeholders about planned water spillage to enable adequate preparation and mitigation measures.

The Chamber’s advice to fish farmers included being vigilant about the Authority’s activities, implementing measures like fixing floats or barrels around cages to minimize the impact of fast-moving water currents, avoiding overstocking cages, harvesting matured fish before further spillage, and ensuring constant observation of nets and debris by feeders and divers.

The second edition of the Aquaculture Africa Conference (AFRAQ23) witnessed the participation of nearly 1,200 attendees from 73 countries during its event held from November 13 to 16 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The conference was honored by the presence of Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Makozo Chikote, along with senior state dignitaries from Zambia and various African countries. The opening ceremony featured high-level guests from organizations such as WAS, FAO, WorldFish, COMESA, SADC, and AU.

A highlight of the event was the inaugural African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS-AC) honors and awards ceremony. Dr. Sherif Sadek from Egypt was recognized for his significant contributions, serving as the first chapter president (2018-2022) and chairing the inaugural Aquaculture Africa 2021 (AFRAQ21).

AUDA-NEPAD, the South African government (DFFE), and Aller Aqua were also acknowledged for their roles in supporting the establishment and development of WAS-AC.

The conference featured special side-sessions and workshops hosted by developmental organizations, including AUDA-NEPAD, FAO, World Bank, WorldFish, ANAF, WISHH, GIZ, COMESA, SADC, AwF, WAVMA, and others.

Major industry players, such as Aller Aqua, Yalelo, Lake Harvest Aquaculture, Aqua-spark, and Chicoa Fish Farm Mozambique, participated, along with several SMEs in aquaculture from Zambia and across Africa.

The technical and scientific program was complemented by an international trade show featuring 55 booths from 22 countries. Noteworthy was the Zambia aquaculture pavilion showcasing the country’s industry and projects.

The event concluded with an aquaculture tour, allowing delegates to visit active aquaculture sites in Siavonga/Lake Kariba and around Lusaka. The conference served as a significant platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of aquaculture.

The Mokowe Mainland Community-Based Organisation (CBO) in Lamu County has introduced crab farming as a promising venture within the blue economy.

The initiative aims to harness crab fishing as a significant income source in the region, making the CBO the first to champion and successfully expand mud crab farming locally.

Scientifically identified as Scylla serrata, mud crabs hold commercial value along the Kenyan Coast and globally. The CBO kickstarted the venture in March with a modest capital of Sh6,000, which was used to purchase 10 special crates/cages for rearing baby mud crabs.

Initial challenges included the loss of baby crabs and theft, but the CBO persevered, achieving success in their second attempt by rearing and selling 10 mature crabs for Sh10,000.

The CBO, led by chairperson Abdirashid Aden, has become the largest crab supplier in the county, catering to local hotels and resorts. Aden emphasized the lucrative nature of the venture but highlighted the need for dedication and continuous care.

With high demand for crabs as seafood, the CBO sees the potential for sustainable farming as an alternative to wild fishing, which could endanger the species.

Secretary Ali Swaleh envisions expanding mud crab hatcheries nationwide, urging support from County and National governments for financial aid to facilitate commercial crab farming, production, and export.

While acknowledging the current focus on local sales due to low production, the CBO aims to garner support for international market exports, considering the soaring global demand.

Athman Aswa, a member of the CBO, explained the process of using floating cages for crab fattening over 3 to 6 months before harvesting for sale.

The group seeks assistance in building a boardwalk to facilitate easy access and care for the crabs, situated in floating cages on the ocean. Lamu County Senior Fisheries Officer Simon Komu commended the initiative and encouraged the CBO to consider incorporating prawns and ornamental fish for sustainable farming, diversifying their blue economy ventures.

Source: The Star

Kenya experienced a remarkable upswing in seafood export earnings, recording a more than 60% increase in 2022, according to reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The country’s export earnings soared to KES 5.6 billion (USD 40.5 million, EUR 37.5 million) compared to KES 3.4 billion (USD 24.6 million, EUR 22.7 million) in the previous year, attributed to favourable market prices. The average price per kilo also witnessed a boost, rising to KES 412 (USD 3.00, EUR 2.80) from KES 316 (USD 2.30, EUR 2.10) in 2021.

Kenya’s export volumes of fish and fish products displayed a substantial increase of more than 25%, reaching 13,624 metric tons (MT) in 2022, up from 10,875 MT in 2021. The surge was primarily driven by enhanced fish landings, supported by increased government investments in infrastructure at various inland and marine fishery sites, coupled with a rise in aquaculture production.

The Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) credited the surge in landings to infrastructure upgrades around Lake Victoria, the largest source of freshwater fish in Africa. Notable advancements, including the construction of fish-processing facilities in Lamu and Mombasa, have further facilitated the industry’s growth.

The replacement of the Mbita causeway on Lake Victoria with a fly-over bridge has improved water flushing, enabling more fish movement throughout the lake.

Improved data collection and transparency efforts have also contributed to the success, with KeFS acknowledging enhanced data collection through the deployment of additional personnel.

To bolster data collection, Kenya’s Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project. The initiative aims to establish a comprehensive fisheries information management system, integrating data on catch totals, fishing efforts, prices, licensing, permitting, research, compliance, and more.

Despite challenges posed by climate change and pollution in Lake Victoria, which is shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, the fishery contributed significantly to Kenya’s inland freshwater sources in 2022. The export-promotion program launched in 2022, focusing on improving fish export procedures for ease of trade, has also played a pivotal role in Kenya’s seafood industry success.

In contrast, Tanzania experienced a decline in the value of seafood exports in 2022, attributed to reduced European demand and adverse weather conditions, particularly in southern Tanzania.

Source: SeafoodSource

Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation revealed that the country’s fish production reached approximately 2 million tons in 2023, boasting an impressive 85% self-sufficiency rate. Egypt stands as the leading nation in Africa and holds the sixth position globally in fish farming, securing the third spot in tilapia production.

The report anticipates a further increase in self-sufficiency and export surplus as national projects reach their full production capacity. To support the fish farming industry, the government has established the Lakes Protection and Fish Wealth Development Authority, implementing regulations and facilitations.

In a significant move, the government has committed to covering the cost of tracking devices for fishing boats, potentially reaching up to EGP 30,000 per boat. Additionally, the “Bar Aman” (Shore of Safety) initiative has been launched to support fishermen, benefiting approximately 42,000 individuals by providing fishing supplies and assistance in facing the challenges of their profession.

The report highlights the establishment of marine fish and shrimp hatcheries and measures to prevent the fishing of hatchlings from lakes, aiming to boost fish wealth. Ongoing reinforcement and development of hatcheries in Gerf Hussein, Toshka, Sahari, and Abu Simbel aim to produce 80 to 100 million freshwater fish hatchlings to enhance Lake Nasser’s productivity.

Moreover, the government’s approval of launching 21 marine areas, along with logistical zones for marine cages, signals a strategic move to attract investors. Giant projects, including Ghalioun Lake, El-Fayrouz, and the Suez Canal, contribute to the development of fish resources. The national project for lakes’ development, encompassing Manzala, Burullus, Idku, and Bardawil, has been initiated with efforts to remove encroachments.

The commitment to expanding fish-related projects and hatcheries underscores the government’s dedication to supporting the fish farming industry and meeting the growing demand for fish among the Egyptian population.