Africa’s challenge lies in the balance between feeding millions of people and protecting its fragile aquatic resources. The blue economy represents a promising track, although still fragile. Therefore, it is imperative for the continent to make support for sustainable fisheries and the strengthening of artisanal communities a top priority.
Africa has considerable fishing potential, with about 5 million fishermen and more than 10 million people dependent on continental fishing, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB). Faced with rapid population growth, the blue economy is proving to be an essential way to improve food security. That is why the AfDB insists on the need for an integrated approach to water management.
Our fish production at sea is currently in a downward trend. The only alternative we have, in Senegal as in all of Africa, is to ensure that the production of aquaculture, all species combined, can now make it possible to perpetuate this consumption, to consolidate the consumption of fish and to make it sustainable in the future.
Mamadou Goudiaby, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime and Port Infrastructure – Senegal
Providing 60 to 70% of the continent’s fisheries production, artisanal fishing is a vital socio-economic pillar for Africa, guaranteeing a significant share of the world’s production of aquatic products, or 13.1 million tons in 2022 according to the FAO. This sector directly supports 10 million people and provides about 22% of the animal protein consumed, highlighting its crucial role in food security.
“Africa has enormous potential, both physical and human, to develop aquaculture, and this is inevitable. This development requires significant investments, but these investments will also have significant repercussions, both in terms of food security, aquaculture production, job creation and human health.”
Samba KA, General Manager of the Aquaculture Agency – Senegal
Despite the importance of this sector, its sustainability is compromised. A large part of fish resources is overexploited, particularly in West Africa. To remedy this, the AfDB recommends investing in nature-based solutions, such as the restoration of aquatic habitats, water depollution and the reconnection of natural ecosystems.
“Illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) remains a constant threat due to insufficient capacity in the form of physical resources, technologies and skills to be deployed in the fight. It is estimated that Kenya loses up to 45 billion shillings per year because of IUU fishing.”
Joseph Wala Mahongah, Representative of the Senior Secretary of the Department of State for the Blue Economy and Fisheries – Kenya
Strengthening processing and marketing infrastructure, such as ports, cold chains and local cooperatives, reduces post-capture losses, increases fishermen’s revenues and improves access to seafood, thus contributing to food security and economic development.
source : Africa 24
