Strengthening Swiss-African public-private partnerships for sustainable aquaculture development in Africa
Background
Population growth in Africa is estimated to rise from 1 billion in 2010 to 2.5 billion in 2050. Fish plays an important role in food security and nutrition of this growing population. However, most natural fish stock is already overexploited and fish farming is still an underdeveloped sector in most African countries owing to the lack of local expertise, training opportunities, and required farming inputs. Development of the aquaculture sector has therefore large potential for improvement of food security, generating income opportunity for smallholders and thus economic growth, women empowerment, and, last but not least, decreasing the fishing pressure on natural ecosystems. At the same time, sustainable aquaculture would lower the risk of environmental and ecological damage through unsustainable practices and the reliance on fish imports from Asia.
Objective
Development of regional best management practices for sustainable fish production and identification of necessary policies and governing measures for the development of an economically and ecologically sustainable aquaculture sector in Africa. Moreover, this project aims to identify business and investment opportunities focusing on Swiss-African public private partnerships.
Expected Benefits
- In partner country: Improvement of local food production with the sustainable use of local resources, enhancement of food security, improvement of local health, equitable income and livelihoods.
- In Switzerland: Creation of new business and research avenues for Swiss institutions (e.g. feed mill system industry, environmental monitoring & evaluation consulting, labelling), accessing sustainable investment opportunities.
Contact Information
Nadine Antenen, , phone: +41 58 934 5973
