In an Effort to Reduce Poverty by Improving Food and Nutritional Security through Increased Rural Income, the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy Held an Open House in Conakry on August 28, 2024
The event focused on the Family Commercial Aquaculture Development Project in Guinea (PISCOFAM-Guinea). It was held under the auspices of the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, with the presence of technical and financial partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), as well as local producers and stakeholders.
The project aims to sustainably increase fish production and associated rice production, as well as their local consumption in rural areas. It also promotes employment in the economic activities of producers, fish farmers, and fishmongers. Additionally, it has positive impacts on production, consumption, and environmental protection.
The first component of the project involves intensifying and expanding aquaculture in Forest Guinea by structuring and professionalizing the network of fish farmers in Forest Guinea and, by extension, in Upper Guinea.
Funded by AFD with €10 million, the project covers Forest Guinea, Upper Guinea, and Lower Guinea.
During his address, the PISCOFAM coordinator highlighted the project’s substantial economic benefits. Adama Camara noted that the project has already generated a gross added value of nearly €2 million. He emphasized that this represents a significant contribution to the economic welfare of fish farmers. Furthermore, he pointed out that the project has had a major institutional impact, as the National Aquaculture Agency of Guinea (ANAG), which now oversees the project, was established through this funding.
Regarding future prospects, he expressed optimism about the ongoing project implementation.
The Director of AFD-Guinea praised the successful completion of the project’s activities. She noted that ANAG would undertake several tasks to document the workshop outcomes and disseminate the results of the 20-year impact study on aquaculture in Forest Guinea. Jeanne Vanuxem Milleliri emphasized that the impact study demonstrated a positive effect of aquaculture on reducing household vulnerability. She reiterated AFD’s commitment to continue investing in the development of the fisheries sector in Guinea.
In her closing remarks, the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Fatima Camara, noted the growing significance of commercial aquaculture in Guinea. She acknowledged the project’s success and its contribution to food security as a source of high-quality animal proteins, as well as its socio-economic and environmental benefits for rural development.
Addressing sector stakeholders, Fatima Camara reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing aquaculture and fisheries development in the country. She concluded by expressing firm belief in the sector’s immense potential and its key role in the nation’s economic and social development strategy.
Source : mosaiqueguinee
