Context
Billions of people around the world are dependent on fish, crustaceans, shellfish, algae and other aquatic foods for their daily diet. Rivers, ponds and oceans supply animal protein and important nutrients. Demand is rising, particularly in Africa due to its growing population, and cannot be met either by the stagnating capture fishery sector or the poorly developed local aquaculture. This is resulting in reduced fish consumption and increasing undernourishment and malnutrition.
Objective
Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries contribute to a positive change in agricultural and food systems.
Approach
In Madagascar, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia, the project is training farmers to expand their aquaculture operations in an environmentally friendly manner. The project does not make use of subsidies so that farms are capable to produce aquatic food independently in the long term.
The project activities are implemented in cooperation with partners from civil society and the private sector. For example, the non-governmental organisation APDRA Pisciculture Paysanne is providing training on fish farming to rice growers in Madagascar. In Zambia, small producers are being trained in sustainable aquaculture by COFAD (Consultants for Fishery, Aquaculture and Regional Development).
Cofinanced by the European Union (EU), the project is working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the countries of the Benguela Current Convention – Angola, Namibia and South Africa – on ecosystem-based marine spatial planning for the Benguela Current and socially equitable fisheries management. Artisanal fishers are receiving support for their participation in the political dialogue to ensure that their voices are heard by decision-makers and can contribute to fairer fisheries. Curbing illegal fishing is important to secure the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities on the coasts of Africa.
Stand: June 2025