Aquaculture In Africa: The Successes And Failures

Developments such as cage culture of tilapia and small, privately owned pond systems signal a positive trend.

- Nicholas James

Freshwater aquaculture in Africa is finally coming of age, but only north of our borders. A colleague recently completed a continent-wide tour of aquaculture facilities, and his findings reveal exciting developments in many countries, which suggest that Africa may at last be catching up with Asia in this regard.

Egypt stands head and shoulders above other African countries, with an annual fish production of more than 750 000t. Given that this is a desert country with one river, and cool winter temperatures, this is testimony to its spirit of entrepreneurship, good management, skilled operators, and, of course, government support.

The country has predominantly fertilised and fed earth ponds, with some cage culture and a few recirculating systems. Government sponsorship of feed mills catalysed the industry’s success 15 years ago.