The unavailability of loans for the development of commercial aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere is a major problem. It appears to arise mostly from lenders’ perceptions of high risk of failure associated with aquaculture and a lack of knowledge, on the part of farmers, of the modalities of approaching financial institutions for a loan, as well as from a lack of adequate collateral and high bank interest rates. This report suggests some of the policies and strategies needed to tackle these issues. However, information contained in this study with regard to the problem of investment capital in commercial aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa is not exhaustive. Nevertheless, I trust that policies and strategies discussed herein will be useful in improving access to capital in the region. In my view, Nathanael Hishamunda of the FAO, Fishery Development Planning Service and Peter Manning, Consultant, have made a very useful contribution to overcoming a major stumbling block for aquaculture development in Africa. I would like to recognize their sense of duty and dedication to this task.
Ulf Wijkström
Chief, Fishery Development Planning Service
FAO Fisheries Department
