Africa Focuses on the Future of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
From September 23 to 25, 2024, Dakar hosted the 20th session of the Committee for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of Africa (CIFAA). This major event brought together representatives from 37 African countries, specialized agencies, and observers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
A Sustainable Vision for the Future
In her opening speech, H.E. Fatou Diouf, the Senegalese Minister of Fisheries, Maritime Infrastructure and Ports, emphasized the importance of this event to “advance aquaculture in Africa and facilitate knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and the promotion of sustainable practices across the continent.”
Robert Guei, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa, reinforced this by stressing the need for collective efforts to “strengthen the resilience of these sectors, thus supporting FAO’s Blue Transformation vision in Africa.”
Crucial Data to Inform Decisions
A highlight of this session was the presentation by Vera Agostini, Deputy Director of FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, of the Review of the State of the World Fishery Resources: Inland Fisheries. This report, the result of an unprecedented collaboration between FAO and the African Development Bank, offers a detailed overview of the sector.
Mohamed Cherif, representative of the African Development Bank in Senegal, underlined the importance of this partnership, stating that “the Bank’s ten-year strategy emphasizes the fundamental role of knowledge in improving the effectiveness of its action.”
The report reveals that inland fisheries produced 11.4 million tonnes in 2021, accounting for over 12% of global capture fisheries production, with a significantly lower environmental footprint than other protein-rich foods. Countries in the African Great Lakes sub-region contributed 12.2% of this global production.
A Committee Serving Sustainable Development
Established in 1971, CIFAA is one of FAO’s oldest regional fisheries commissions. Its mission is to promote sustainable fishing and strengthen cooperation among African countries. The committee plays a crucial role in promoting research, establishing regulatory measures, preventing environmental damage, supporting fish farming, and improving education and training in inland fisheries and aquaculture.
As Africa faces growing challenges in food security and natural resource management, this 20th session of CIFAA marks a crucial step in defining the sustainable future of inland fisheries and aquaculture on the continent.
