Is Aquaculture a Success? Evidence from Africa
Loading...
Date
2022-11-22
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology
Abstract
Globally, human population growth worldwide is something that cannot
be controlled, and so there is a need to sustain the needs of a growing
population. In Africa, for instance, population projections are made
yearly, not even once stagnation is seen. Feeding and nutrition issues,
hunger eradication have become a problem with the continuing growth of
the population, which in turn is putting a lot of pressure on available
resources like capturing fisheries from the lakes, oceans, and rivers,
leaving them void. Aquaculture has then proven useful in supplementing
the dwindling catch fisheries stocks, which have become incapable of
supporting the growing population. Since its introduction in Africa,
however, changes have been seen as it has contributed to food security
and malnutrition and improved livelihoods by creating jobs and
generating income. Currently, diversified products come from
aquaculture practices both in inland and freshwaters, ponds, and
intensification of aquaculture farming methods, which all put together
boost the production to a higher level. Genetics has also been employed
to ensure seeds produced for aquaculture are worth being cultured for
production. A lot of fisher folks are benefiting both directly and indirectly
making a living. Although the contribution of aquaculture is small,
sometimes termed insignificant, its growth is steady and it has a
promising future as far as its goals (increased protein food production and
improved livelihoods of fisher communities) are concerned.