March 3, 2016

Regional plan for African aquacultures and fisheries approved

A regional strategy for aquaculture and regional fisheries in parts of Africa has been approved by eight-nation trading bloc, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), APA reported.

The plan has received funding support from the European Union.

In the new five-year strategy, member states will be rendered assistance to improve food security and reduce malnutrition. The bloc will also help to establish a road map to facilitate aid to aquacultures and fisheries. Challenges on fish resources were identified in order to formulate the appropriate response. 

In addition, with the implementation of the plan, IGAD countries will be able to utilise fish resources sustainably, specifically in arid and semi-arid areas. This will also enable livelihood diversification in such locations that tend to be overlooked by member states and development partners.

Presently, fisheries in the IGAD region are more concentrated on inland waters in highlands and populated areas, according to APA.

In April 2014, African ministers for aquaculture and fisheries congregated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to confirm the pan African Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Framework and Reform Strategy.

The plan was formally adopted in June 2014 by national leaders from African Union countries.