Aquaculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/2
Browse
Recent Submissions
- This insight brief captures the learnings from the knowledge exchange session held at the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) inception workshop, hosted by WorldFish from 9-12 October 2023, in Penang, Malaysia. The inception workshop brought together over 70 experts and scientists from 27 collaborators, partners and potential partners in participatory discussions to give shape to Phase 1 of AABS (2023-2027) to be implemented in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- This insight brief captures the learnings from the knowledge exchange session held at the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) inception workshop, hosted by WorldFish from 9-12 October 2023, in Penang, Malaysia. The inception workshop brought together over 70 experts and scientists from 27 collaborators, partners and potential partners in participatory discussions to give shape to Phase 1 of AABS (2023-2027) to be implemented in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- This insight brief captures the learnings from the knowledge exchange session held at the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) inception workshop, hosted by WorldFish from 9-12 October 2023, in Penang, Malaysia. The inception workshop brought together over 70 experts and scientists from 27 collaborators, partners and potential partners in participatory discussions to give shape to Phase 1 of AABS (2023-2027) to be implemented in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- This insight brief captures the learnings from the knowledge exchange session held at the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) inception workshop, hosted by WorldFish from 9-12 October 2023, in Penang, Malaysia. The inception workshop brought together over 70 experts and scientists from 27 collaborators, partners and potential partners in participatory discussions to give shape to Phase 1 of AABS (2023-2027) to be implemented in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- This study investigated the effects of salinity, ammonia, and stocking density on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings over a 74-days. In three separate experiments, fingerlings (initial weight 25 ± 2.4 g) were exposed to salinity levels (5, 10, 15, and 20 ppt), ammonia concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/L), and stocking densities (10, 15, 20, and 25 fish per 96 L aquarium). Survival, growth performance, biochemical parameters, and gene expression changes were assessed. Salinity ≥ 15 ppt and ammonia ≥ 0.1 mg/L significantly impaired growth (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency) and increased mortality rates, reaching 37% and 56% at 20 ppt salinity and 0.2 mg/L ammonia, respectively. Elevated salinity and ammonia also caused significant increases in the activities of ALT, AST, LDH enzymes, along with higher serum glucose levels, while disrupting serum protein and ion concentrations, indicating considerable metabolic and osmoregulatory disturbances. At the molecular level, the expression of the growth-promoting IGF-I gene was down-regulated, while inflammatory marker TNFα was up-regulated, suggesting compromised health. Stocking density had less pronounced effects, though densities ≥ 20 fish/aquarium led to reduced growth, altered biochemical markers, and gene expression changes compared to 10–15 fish/aquarium. These findings establish salinity and ammonia tolerance thresholds for tilapia fingerlings, emphasize optimal stocking density, and provide insights into the physiological and molecular responses to multifactorial stressors. The study contributes to sustainable management strategies for tilapia aquaculture under variable environmental conditions.
- The CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods aimed to build the resilience of aquatic food systems and unlock their full potential by scaling research and innovations. Working closely with research partners in fisheries and aquaculture, civil society, industry, and governments, the Initiative contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the production of aquatic foods, and enhance ecological and social resilience through development and dissemination of improved fish strains, better management practices, integrated fish-rice production systems, and fish-friendly irrigation systems.
- In discussions with partners of the Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA), the central topic was enhancing sustainable use of innovative aquaculture solutions in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and beyond. Key agreements were the need for improved market access, climate adaptation strategies, and digital solutions within the vulnerable agriculture and aquaculture sectors. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology and collaboration, the engagement envisioned studying the ecosystem and establishing a scaling platform consisting of innovators and fit-for-purpose partners who can improve the scaling potential as a vital component to address these challenges. Therefore, studying scaling platforms is crucial in this context, as they serve as catalysts for exchanging knowledge, adopting technology, and developing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the African aquaculture sector.
- Nigeria’s economy stands as one of Africa’s most dynamic, undergoing a significant demographic shift. Expected to surpass all other countries in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) in gross domestic product (GDP) by 2023, it already plays a substantial role in regional government finances and oil exports. Projections suggest it will become the world’s third-most populous country by 2050. Pre-COVID-19, the economy was on track to grow by 60%, reaching USD 599.3 billion by 2023. However, challenges such as high poverty rates, income inequality, governance issues and limited public spending persist, setting it apart from similarly sized economies elsewhere. This economic and demographic evolution exerts substantial pressure on natural resources and food systems. Malnutrition remains a critical issue, affecting 49% of children under 5 years old, with 34% not receiving adequately diverse and nutritious diets for optimal growth. Moreover, rates of overweight and obesity among children and youths are rising, partly because of shifting consumption patterns toward less healthy diets.
- Aquaculture in Zambia is still in its early stages, yet it holds significant potential for expanding the country’s fish production capacity. Over the past four decades, there has been a steady increase in fish production, with the total reaching 168,480 t in 2021 (Figure 1). Notably, the past decade witnessed accelerated growth, averaging a 6.7% annual increase in production (Department of Fisheries 2021). Despite this growth, however, a recent government estimate indicates a deficit of 74,000 t in fish supply, prompting Zambia to become a net fish importer to meet demand. The Zambia Statistical Agency reports that fish imports have been on the rise over the past 40 years, peaking at 126,886 t in 2016 before gradually declining to 79,941 t in 2020. This decline is attributed to the burgeoning aquaculture sector and the steady increase in production from capture fisheries within the country (Zhang et al. 2024). During this period, major import sources included Namibia, China, South Africa and Poland. Conversely, Zambia also engages in fish exports, albeit at a modest scale. Despite fluctuations, exports remained below 10,000 t annually, with a notable increase from 532 t in 2018 to 6725 t in 2021. Key export destinations include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Hong Kong, the United States and Malawi. This dynamic reflects both the evolving landscape of Zambia’s fisheries sector and its growing participation in international trade networks.
- Ensuring that farmers have access to wellbalanced and cost-effective feeds is essential for achieving profitable and sustainable aquaculture production. In East Africa, particularly in Kenya, a significant portion of aquafeeds consists of farm-made supplements produced either onfarm or by small scale feed manufacturers. Improving the quality and processing of these feeds is crucial for enhancing productivity and achieving cost savings in the aquaculture sector.
- The Aquaculture Decision Support Tool (Aqua-DST https:// www.iwmi.org/news/aquaculture-decision-support-tool/), a trial version launched in October 2024, is an innovative, user-friendly platform designed to guide sustainable aquaculture development through science-based suitability analysis. By performing suitability analysis, Aqua-DST helps identify high-risk areas prone to flooding and water scarcity, which allows planners and others promoting aquaculture to support more informed locations for aquaculture ponds. By also identifying demand-supply deficit areas in terms of input availability, the Aqua-DST enables value chain actors to identify business opportunities that will also improve aquaculture adopters’ access to feed and other inputs. The tool facilitates informed decision-making for township-level aquaculture expansion in Upper Myanmar. This includes the Kachin, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Southern and Eastern Shan states/regions. In its first version, the tool covers 37 townships in Upper Myanmar.
- In Ghana’s North-East Region, an innovative aquaculture pilot initiative is transforming local communities by creating new livelihood opportunities. Led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) and the Fisheries Commission (FC) of Ghana, this initiative is taking place in four community small reservoirs: Langbinsi, Nalerigu, Nansoni, and Tombu.
- The CGIAR Resilient Aquatic Foods Systems Initiative (RAqFS) aims to enhance the resilience of aquatic food systems by addressing systemic challenges. As part of this initiative, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) partnered with the CSIR Water Research Institute and the Fisheries Commission of Ghana in 2023 to co-design and implement an aquaculture pilot in four small reservoirs across four communities in the North-East Region of Ghana. The pilot project engaged groups of 10-15 individuals in each community, ensuring the inclusion of youth and women, and provided them with technical training and essential inputs to undertake tilapia cage culture. The groups cultivated fish in August-September 2023 and completed the first cycle in September-October 2024.
- This technical brief provides an overview of the formal policy context of Ghana’s fisheries with a focus on aquaculture, which can be traced back to the 1950s (Abban et al. 2009). Despite the focus on inland fisheries, the policy architecture tends to bring both marine and inland fisheries under the samebroader legislative frameworks. Formal policies entail governance arrangements such as laws, policies, plans and regulations. Informal policies are based on customs accepted by local traditional authorities; such local practices may or may not be accepted by formal authorities or the state (FAO et al. 2023).
- This review report provides an overview of Ghana's fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The report summarizes and highlights the formal policies and governance structures related to aquaculture, inland fisheries, and marine fisheries in Ghana. The report identifies the legal frameworks and strategies governing these sectors and the plans and regulations in place. The aquaculture sector is an expanding subsector that has greater potential to increase and meet the increased demand for fish in Ghana, which is currently being met through imports. The report emphasizes that fisheries resources in Ghana are derived from marine, inland, and aquaculture sources. It notes a decline in marine fish production but a steady increase in inland and aquaculture fisheries production. The National Aquaculture Development Plan aims to further increase the market share of commercially farmed fish.
- CNRS in partnership with WorldFish (2022-2024) in the Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD) Initiative of one CGIAR, which aims to support the creation of resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas. As part of the AMD initiative, CNRS has been collaborating with the WorldFish to establish a private sector network of farmers connected to local service providers (LSPs) and local extension agencies (e.g., DOF, DAE, MOHFW) to facilitate scaling up of integrated aquaculture agriculture technologies (e.g., rice-fish, SIS, pond dike cropping) in Bangladesh's southern region – referred to as one of the climate-disaster hotspots of the country. WorldFish supports CNRS in developing its staff's technical skills and introducing them to advanced aquaculture technologies. WorldFish, for example, introduced CNRS to Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia and Generation 3 Rohu (G3 Rohu) developed by WorldFish's Genetic program, which demonstrates about 37% higher growth than their traditional Rohu variety. The WorldFish in AMD connects CNRS with various public and private sources (e.g., hatcheries and nurseries) that supply high-quality fish seeds.
- Scaling training programs developed by WorldFish and supported through AICCRA Zambia partnerships are reaching thousands of fish farmers with practices that are boosting productivity by 70 percent and providing women with a more powerful role in production.
- The manual on Hygienic Dried Fish Production and Marketing through Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) provides a comprehensive guide to promoting hygienic fish drying practices among coastal women SHGs. It outlines the use of solar dryers and other innovative drying technologies to produce high-quality dried fish while ensuring food safety and hygiene standards. The manual includes practical instructions on production techniques, quality control, packaging, and marketing strategies to empower WSHGs to generate income and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. It also emphasizes capacity-building and community engagement for scaling these practices.
- The sustainable growth of aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa is hinged on developing nutritious, cost-effective fish feeds and adopting appropriate feeding practices. To address this need, WorldFish is implementing the "Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa" (FASA), a 5-year project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) with NOK 80 million. Collaborating with partners such as ICIPE, CORAF, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Aller Aqua Zambia, NRDC, local feed millers, and farmer organizations, the project is aiming to develop affordable, innovative aquatic feeds, benefiting 5,000 smallholder aquatic food producers in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia. Responding to baseline data needs, a study assessed fish feed practices among fish farmers and ingredient processors. The study, focusing on eleven districts in six provinces, used multistage and a purposive sampling approach, targeting 600 fish farmers and 180 ingredient processors respectively. Data was collected using pre-tested digital questionnaires and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).
- The USAID-funded Feed the Future Burma Fish for Livelihoods Project (F4L) aims to bolster the nutrition status in central and northern Myanmar by promoting inclusive and sustainable aquaculture growth, focusing particularly on small-scale farmers. F4L operates across five key inland regions, providing technical support and promoting BMPs to enhance aquaculture productivity and annual incomes. The evaluation of this project employed a mixed-method approach integrating both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Structured household surveys and focus group discussions were used to collect comprehensive data from 700 beneficiaries and 100 non-beneficiaries, analyzing various production, institutional, and economic variables to assess the impact of the project.