Stepping up Aquaculture development and production in Angola
5 May 2016, Luanda - FAO has been providing technical support to Angola on the project “Spatial Planning of Aquaculture Zones in the Republic of Angola”. The project aims to facilitate investment and promote an effectively governed aquaculture development sector that is socially inclusive, equitable and environmentally responsible. The Government provided USD 200 000 to implement the first phase of the spatial planning project within the ambit of a country programming framework (CPF 2013-2017), which is a tool for the FAO country office’s strategic prioritization and overall medium-term programming. FAO has been providing support to the Angolan government to implement programs, projects and actions working towards aquaculture development.
In the closing meeting of the spatial planning project (24 March 2016), the Angolan Minister for Fisheries Dr. Victoria de Barros Neto informed participants that the development of aquaculture in the country was one of the top priorities of the Government in its programme to fight hunger, malnutrition. She also highlighted its potential to diversify the economy that is heavily dependent on crude oil exports.
FAO Representative for Angola, Mamoudou Diallo noted that the development of the aquaculture sector could help create employment throughout the entire value chain. He also appreciated the Ministry of Fisheries and other resource partners’ efforts to help mobilize resources in support for the implementation of the second phase of a project while noting the need to focus on priority areas such as the development of feed for tilapia production.
“This project is an excellent example of the results that can be achieved by such partnerships. The collaboration established by FAO and Angola, together with other development and resource partners ensured the provision of high quality assistance to the Ministry of Fisheries. We are grateful that the Government will lead the efforts to mobilize more resources that will enable us build on gains made through this project,” said Mamoudou Diallo.
This spatial planning project is finding innovative ways to plan for sustainable aquaculture through the adoption of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA). Implementation of the EAA has seen improved cross-sectorial collaboration to promote and better coordinate activities among different sectors in Angola. The first phase of this project started in late 2014 and was completed in March 2016.
Lack of high-quality fish feed supply threatens aquaculture production
Angola has great potential for freshwater and marine aquaculture development, which can promote diversity of foods in the diet of Angolan families while enhancing gender equality and rural development. Moreover, the numerous stages of processing, distribution and sale of fish and resources required to produce fish can be a source of employment and income for the population. In spite of this potential, aquaculture production in Angola remains low and its potential unexploited.
An urgent problem which is threatening the growth of aquaculture in Angola is the lack of high-quality input resources consistently available to fish producers. This is further compounded by limited technical capacity in the still young aquaculture industry. The lack of locally produced good quality aquafeed in Angola poses a significant problem to aquaculture development. The costs and logistical hurdles involved in procuring imported aquafeed are high.
During the discussions of the third and final meeting of the project on Spatial Planning for Aquaculture in Angola; the meeting participants highlighted aquafeed production, management and feed quality monitoring as one of the main priorities for aquaculture development. To this end, the Government of Angola has requested an urgent support from FAO and funding partners present in addressing this issue that would facilitate the growth of ongoing aquaculture development activities in Angola. This would be expected to sustain and enhance the livelihoods of small- to medium-scale aquafarmers in the country.
To curb this problem, the Government is being encouraged provide incentives for aquafeed production such as tax redemption on the importing of specific extrusion equipment and VAT exemption on aquafeed produced in the country. It is also important to encourage the expansion of commercial agriculture for the production of grains, mainly soybean, to increase the supply of raw materials for animal feed while raising awareness of the potential to invest in aquaculture and aquafeed business to feed manufacturers and entrepreneurs in and out of the country.
As part of the next phase of an aquaculture program proposed to the Angolan Government, a project will focus on tackling a key constraint in Angolan aquaculture development: Lack of quality aquafeed; and application of good practices in aquafeed production, management and feed quality monitoring. In all instances, the guiding principle will be to conduct activities based on an appropriate business plan to ensure their sustainability. The specific objective is to increase quality tilapia feed production and build capacity in production and management of quality aquafeed.
Activities will focus on producing and market sufficiently good quality aquafeed and disseminate good practices of feed production and management in Angola. Some of the desired impacts of the project include improved nutrition and food security and reduce poverty along the sector value chain.
For more information please contact
Benedito Sipandeni | FAO Angola | [email protected]
Sithembile Siziba | FAO Southern Africa - Communications |[email protected]