Botswana's plan to promote Aquaculture growth to boost food security, eradicate poverty

The Government of Botswana has started an ambitious program that will transform the Southern Africa nation into fish eating, as a way of promoting a healthy lifestyle for its more than 2.5 million citizens.

Fish are packed with important nutrients that are needed for a growing population both in Botswana and Africa. 

To achieve this, authorities are currently streamlining processes around aquaculture development, in a bid to simplify the journey for entrepreneurs keen on venturing into fish farming. 

Deputy Permanent Secretary Aquaculture and Apiculture in Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture Ghulam Kibria says they are intentional about creating a conducive environment for aquaculture growth.

“We are really committed to Botswana aquaculture development for food security, poverty eradication and job creation,” he said.

He was speaking at the sidelines of the ongoing 3-day 2nd General Assembly Congress of Aquaculture for Africa (ANAF).

“ANAF initiative is very tangible for all of us to establish a roadmap in terms of policy, legislations and strategy,” the permanent secretary said. 

The event is being hosted by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) at the lakeside city of Naivasha. 

“Our policy and strategies are all in place. We are ready to kick off our aquaculture production,” he said.

Botswana’s national demand is 5,000 metric tonnes but currently it only produces 550 metric tonnes from aquaculture and captured fisheries annually.

Various stakeholders at the event including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have rooted for financial incentives and subsidies for local communities engaging in aquaculture.

ANAF interim chairperson Semoli Belemane said sustainable aquaculture practices are essential to meet the rising demand for protein-rich food in Africa's burgeoning population.

By cultivating fish and other aquatic species in controlled environments, he said the sector provides a reliable and efficient means of year-round production, mitigating the impact of seasonal variations on food availability.

 

This, he said, not only enhances food security but also offers a sustainable source of income for communities engaged in aquaculture.

“The majority of ANAF Member States have prioritized the aquaculture sector as a key component of the Oceans Economy now commonly referred to as the Blue Economy,” he said.

“We recognize the potential for aquaculture that can contribute meaningfully towards the food and nutrition sector, job creation, economic development, livelihoods and rural development.”

ANAF was officially endorsed by African Ministers at a recent meeting in Addis Ababa as African Union recognized Network to support aquaculture development in Africa with its Secretariat based at AU-IBAR.

According to the AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih, the original concept for ANAF is to serve as a stand-alone continental institution providing technical backing and facilitation to the African aquaculture “subsector and continue to support aquaculture development in the continent, as an autonomous and self-reliant intergovernmental organization.