By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE New Economic Partnership for Africa (NEPAD) plans to train small-scale fish farmers from Zambia and Malawi in aquaculture.
NEPAD head of Partnership African Fisheries (PAF) Emmanuel Kaunda said at the ongoing NEPAD and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) workshop that the organisation plans to train fish farmers in aquaculture management to the develop the industry.
“The two countries share the same ecosystem, the same challenges that is the reason why we want to jointly engage them, because there is a lot potential in the fish farming which can contribute significantly to the economic growth of the two countries,” he said.
He observed that lack of knowledge in aquaculture was affecting the growth of the fish industry in most of the African countries despite having great potential.
“We need to help the fish industry by putting up measures that are aimed at encouraging fish farmers whether small or large,” Professor Kaunda said.
He added that countries that had robust aquaculture policies had increased fish production considerably which he said was the challenge for countries lacking clear policies.
He challenged Zambia and Malawi to establish strong dish trade partnership saying the two countries shared the same ecological system and proximity to each other.
Prof Kaunda said the partnership should go beyond fish trade into sharing knowledge obtained through research and development to further develop the sector.
He said Zambia should take advantage of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to solicit for technical support to develop the industry.
“Zambia should take advantage of COMESA and request for some funds to develop the industry. Recently NEPAD allocated some funds to COMESA to help the aquaculture industry in member countries,” he said.
On the workshop, Prof Kaunda said the workshop was providing a platform for participants to share knowledge on how to develop the industry.
He the workshop attracted more than 16 participants mainly from African countries which he said was a milestone for the organisation.
