FAO Emphasizes Business Approach to Aquaculture, Advocates Government-Private Sector Collaboration
NAIVASHA, Kenya, Jan 16- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called upon African governments to forge partnerships with the private sector in a bid to drive the growth of aquaculture.
Recognizing the pivotal role aquaculture plays in addressing critical challenges, such as food security, poverty eradication, and community empowerment, FAO said there is an urgent need for collaborative action.
By fostering collaboration between governments and the private sector, Fishery and Aquaculture Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Africa Dismas Mbabazi on Tuesday said the continent should tap into the vast potential of aquaculture to diversify diets and meet the nutritional needs of millions.
“We have a rising population that needs to be fed…we are relying on supply from water bodies that are currently stagnating in terms of production and with large masses of oceans and inland waters, we expect to bridge the gap in (fish) production by growing the fish,” he said.
Aquaculture offers a lifeline to small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and resources needed to establish sustainable businesses.
He said FAO is actively enhancing regional cooperation and supporting member countries in devolving policies that will guide sustainable development of aquaculture.
“Of Course, we do not want to develop aquaculture at the expense of other sectors. We are looking at the ecosystem approach to ensure that we maximally benefit from aquaculture without interfering with other uses of the ecosystem,” he said.
