Aquaculture development in Namibia

•Hiskia AsinoWATER bodies in most parts of the country are full, which is an uncommon phenomenon given the severe drought we experienced in the last few years.

Aquaculture by now should be a familiar term especially to the younger generation. In case there are those who do not know, it means the farming of aquatic living organisms in water. Namibia currently farms four species of freshwater fish which are three spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii, Redbreast tilapia (Tilapia rendalli), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Of the four, the Mozambique tilapia is the only fish not native to Namibian waters.

Tilapia together with catfish is one of the most farmed fish in the world. The global production value of tilapia species is estimated at US$10 billion of which Asian countries are the main producers, particularly China (50%) with Egypt being the only exception in Africa.

An estimated 5% continues to be imported to Africa despite the continent having the ideal resources and conditions such as pristine waters, high unemployment and high demand for the fish. Aquaculture all over the world has proved to be a mitigation option to reduce poverty and to increase food security and rural wealth.

The potential for aquaculture still remains very infant in Namibia and requires adequate nourishment to allow it to become a significant contributor to the social welfare and economy.

The national budget was recently tabled and one could not bear to notice that the ministry of fisheries which is one of the biggest contributors to the national economy suffered a significant budget cut.

The development of aquaculture requires the Fisheries ministry to nurture the sector to become a valuable contributor to the economy. The aquaculture industry continues to struggle because of various factors that require financial and institutional support to enable the industry to become self-sustaining.

Aquaculture can create wealth and food security within the rural communities of the country, particularly those situated along permanent water bodies.

Despite that challenges, there is great potential and opportunities that can be exploited by farmers, business people and investors.

Because the demand for the fish currently farmed in Namibia is high, imported tilapia is currently being sold in chain stores throughout the country.

They are imported mainly from Asia in significant volumes of which some are destined for Angola, Zamibia, Zimbabwe and DRC markets.

For aquaculture to root longevity in Namibia it has to be part of our culture and part of our economic wealth, similar to someone owning livestock.

Globalisation continues to spread and the blue revolution has expanded to Africa and can make us either independent or dependent on the global markets. Namibia is strategically located to benefit from high aquaculture production farms but needs to plan, invest, promote and educate the relevant stakeholders. If proper mechanisms are not put in place to create self-sustenance we will not realise the potential and our battle to eradicate poverty will continue.

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