Village Level Aquaculture Development in Africa

The current status and development of small-scale village based aquaculture, particularly fish farming, in Africa, has been the subject of some discussion in recent years. Although the practice of aquaculture in Africa has ancient origins, the advancement of conventional fish farming systems is hindered by a range of technical and socio-economic factors.

In an attempt to address some of these difficulties, the Food Production and Rural Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat organised the consultation in cooperation with the Government of Sierra Leone in Freetown, from 14 to 20 February 1985.

The objectives were:
* To examine the technical and socio-economic factors that inhibit the successful introduction of aquaculture to rural communities in Africa.
* To identify ways and means of overcoming these problems at governmental and grassroots levels.
* To identify technical needs, including training.
* To heighten awareness amongst extensionists on the potentials of aquaculture development.

Experts in the field from Government institutions, international agencies and private consultants presented technical papers which have been edited and produced in this publication under five themes:
- Aquaculture Practices in Africa
- Improving Aquaculture Systems
- Aquaculture in Development Planning
- Research in Aquaculture
- Extension

The ensuing conclusions and recommendations were crystallized in a 10-point Resolution on Village Aquaculture Development in Africa.