The Workshop discussed the levels and patterns that could be adopted for aquaculture development and the role that private, cooperative and public sectors could play in development in the countries of Africa. The mainstay of aquaculture has so far been subsistence-level fish farming. Evolution from this to small-scale commercial farming was deemed feasible in a short period of time if the necessary supporting services can be made available by the governments. In countries like Tanzania, where integrated rural community development programmes are launched, some of the infrastructural arrangements may already be available and, by the provision of technical assistance and inputs, substantial progress in aquaculture production may be achieved.
Combination of fish farming with duck or pig raising has been demonstrated to be feasible and beneficial in some of the African countries. Considering the present status of rice cultivation which involves very little use of pesticides, and especially persistent pesticides, the combination of fish culture with irrigated rice cultivation appears to have possibilities for expansion. These practices are of special importance in rural Africa where underemployment and low income of farmers are serious problems.
Possibilities exist in most African countries to establish large-scale farms in both freshwater and brackishwater areas. It would appear that the governments have to take at least the initiative in starting such ventures. Some of the countries already have government corporations concerned with food production and marketing, and aquaculture could possibly be incorporated in their activities. Since the main capital investment in most aquaculture consists of the cost of farm construction, governments should consider the reclamation of suitable wastelands into small and large fish farms and lease them out to individuals, cooperatives or private companies for operation on appropriate terms. There is also the possibility of joint ventures when the culture of species with export potential is to be undertaken. Fish production in larger dams and reservoirs, which has been given emphasis in many countries, may have to be undertaken largely by government or government-sponsored agencies, as is done now.
