Fish & Ecology
Most of African countries share common problems in sustainable management of sensitive and dynamic ecosystems, as well as facing deficits in high protein food supply and an ongoing battle to alleviate poverty.
The population of Africa is projected to grow rapidly, with the highest population growth rates occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa (UN, 1999). Meeting the food demand and livelihood requirements of this growing population represents an overwhelming challenge to this region. Fish is an essential source of food supplying at least 25% of the total animal protein in developing countries and is the principal source of animal protein for over one billion people providing important nutritional and health benefits (FRDC, 2001).
Fisheries support livelihoods by providing employment and incomes to millions of people, both directly to those harvesting the fish, and indirectly to those who supply materials and market the product. There is currently widespread concern about the threat of overfishing of freshwater and coastal marine resources.
Unless immediate actions are taken, capture fishery cannot sustain the growing demand of fish in Africa. However, the high potential for aquaculture remains largely untapped in the East African region BOMOSA aquaculture could significantly contribute by providing high quality food at low cost and generating additional income for farming and fishing households.
