Hiskia Asino
Namibia is a country that potentially has the potential to become the most fish-productive nation per capita in Africa considering its geographical location and the abundance of its natural resources. However, some of the most crucial and important sectors have unfortunately not been receiving the support required to boost and industrialize food security and wealth creation. This is not to say efforts have not been made indefinitely, but to overcome the existing barriers and challenges more capital inputs and investment are required.
Namibia shares great similarities with Egypt, which is one of the driest countries in the world. Egypt currently is by far the largest aquaculture producer in Africa even surpassing many other countries globally. Aquaculture and Horticulture have revolutionized food production and value chain systems globally particularly in developing countries.
In 2022, fisheries and aquaculture production reached an all-time high of 223.2 million tonnes, worth a record USD 472 billion and contributing an estimated 20.7 kg of aquatic animal foods per capita. This constituted about 15 percent of the animal protein supply, reaching over 50 percent in several countries in Asia and Africa. While capture fisheries production has remained largely unchanged for decades, aquaculture has increased by 6.6 percent since 2020, contributing over 57 percent of aquatic animal products used for direct human consumption. The fisheries and aquaculture sector employs an estimated 62 million people in primary production alone. (The State of World Fisheries 2024).
In 2022, global aquaculture production reached 130.9 million tonnes, valued at USD 312.8 billion, 59 percent of global fisheries and aquaculture production. Inland aquaculture contributed 62.6 percent of farmed aquatic animals, marine and coastal aquaculture 37.4 percent. For the first time, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries in aquatic animal production with 94.4 million tonnes, representing 51 percent of the world total and a record 57 percent of the production destined for human consumption.
These global staggering figures leave a nation like Namibia questioning why we are not involved in the revolution of the blue transformation.
Over the years Namibia has managed to establish and invested Inland Aquaculture Center throughout Namibia worth over N$300 000 000.00 in infrastructure and human resources through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. These facilities can easily produce a minimum of 200 tons/year which can generate a value of N$7 – 8 million at least a year. However, these institutions have not been able to perform optimally unfortunately and production output is far below 50% capacity. Key areas that are required to improve and develop aquaculture in Namibia are as follows without compromise:
- Feed Production
- Fingerling Production
- Aquaculture Zones
- Water and Land Access
- Training and Skill Development
- Research DevelopmentÂ
Within the aforementioned areas indicated, stakeholders all need to be aligned to ensure key objectives, inputs, targets and a national framework are designed to achieve the overall goals envisioned. Nationally, Namibia has the relevant institutions in place already. Therefore, there is a need to harmonize these institutions for them to understand their roles in contributing to the revolution of the blue transformation. Just as green hydrogen has taken center stage in the development of the energy sector, blue transformation needs to be prioritized as the main development sector for sustainable food security and wealth creation. Namibia has the perennial rivers, bordering the Northern and Southern regions and one of the richest upwelling currents along our entire coastline in the world. Currently, Namibia produces only 320 tons (2021) aquatic organisms compared to 411 000 tons of capture fisheries which employs over 12 000 people directly. Technological and research breakthroughs globally have been the foundation and the key driving forces stimulating higher yields in aquaculture. Therefore, there is absolutely no excuse for our country to continually be ravaged with high unemployment, food insecurities and limited options in wealth creation. Namibia undoubtedly has the tools, resources, need, demand and pristine environment to transform aquaculture into a leading food production industry.
Therefore the Namibian government has to take the leading role to revive their existing Inland Aquaculture Center either through direct investment or private partnerships. This without question will definitely provide the basic required inputs such as fingerlings, and feed to farmers along the canals, perennial rivers, dams, and other water bodies to produce fish. Tilapia and Catfish are one of the leading fish produced in the world which originate from Africa. Currently the leading producers of this fish is Asia allowing them to earn billions in revenue and employ millions of their people. To the extent the import fish naturally occurs in our rivers back to Africa.
Hiskia Asino is a PHD student in Aquaculture
