Fish supply and food security for Africa

Abstract

Fish is an important food for over 400 million Africans, contributing essential proteins, minerals and micronutrients to their diets. Paradoxically, despite the high dependence on fish as a source of animal protein, fish consumption in sub-Saharan Africa is the world's lowest. The continent is projected to need an additional 1.6 million tons of fish a year by 2015 just to maintain current consumption. The rapid increases in fish supply required over the next decades will only be possible, therefore, if these fisheries are sustained and improved, while simultaneously developing aquaculture (fish farming). This note summarizes this dual approach.