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Aquaculture in Africa: Challenges and Future Prospects

Year 2025, Volume: 21 Issue: 3, 256 - 265, 01.09.2025
https://doi.org/10.22392/actaquatr.1590329

Abstract

Aquaculture in Africa has shown gradual growth, though progress remains slow due to differences in water availability, economic conditions, and access to fisheries across countries. Therefore, this study examines the challenges and prospects of the fish farming sector in Africa. Evaluating aquaculture performance should consider factors beyond production levels or GDP contribution, such as its role in food supply, population size, and natural resource availability. Egypt leads in aquaculture contribution to national fish supply, followed by Lesotho, which focuses on exports. Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, and Sudan have significant per capita fish supply gaps. Egypt also dominates in total production, with 2018 output surpassing all other African countries combined. Countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Lesotho, and Benin have shown strong production growth over the past decade, while Lesotho, South Africa, and Mauritius excel in high-value aquaculture production. The combination of reaching maximum yields in marine and inland fisheries, expanding markets, urbanization, and opportunities for private-sector growth presents immense potential for aquaculture development in Africa.

References

  • Abelti, A. L., & Teka, T. A. (2024). Intervening fish post‐harvest losses to narrow the gap between demand and supply: A review on magnitude of fish post‐harvest losses in some Sub‐Saharan African countries. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 4(2), e168.
  • Adedeji, O. B., & Okocha, R. C. (2011). Constraint to aquaculture development in Nigeria and way forward. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 7(7), 1133-1140.
  • Adeleke, B., Robertson-Andersson, D., Moodley, G., & Taylor, S. (2020). Aquaculture in Africa: A comparative review of Egypt, Nigeria, and Uganda vis-a-vis South Africa. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 29(2), 167-197. https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2020.1795615
  • Adewumi, A. A. (2015). Aquaculture in Nigeria: Sustainability issues and challenges. Direct Resource Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 3(12), 223-231.
  • Affognon, H., Mutungi, C., Sanginga, P., & Borgemeister, C. (2015). Unpacking postharvest losses in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis. World development, 66, 49-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.08.002
  • Agboola, J. O., Yossa, R., & Verreth, J. (2019). Assessment of existing and potential feed resources for improving aquaculture production in selected Asian and African countries. Monographs.
  • Ahmed, N., Thompson, S., & Glaser, M. (2019). Global aquaculture productivity, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptability. Environmental management, 63, 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1117-3
  • Asiedu, B., Adetola, J. O., & Odame Kissi, I. (2017). Aquaculture in troubled climate: Farmers’ perception of climate change and their adaptation. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 3(1), 1296400. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2017.1296400
  • Augustyn, J., Cockcroft, A., Kerwath, S., Lamberth, S., Githaiga-Mwicigi, J., Pitcher, G., Roberts, M., van der Lingen C. & Auerswald, L. (2017) South Africa. In B.F. Phillips & M. Pérez-Ramírez (eds.) Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Aquaculture (Vol. 14, pp. 479–522). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119154051.ch1
  • Bagdatli, M.C., Ucak, I. and Elsheikh, W., 2023. Impact of global warming on aquaculture in Norway. International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research, 10(3), pp.13-25
  • Bene, C., Barange, M., Subasinghe, R., Pinstrup-Andersen, P., Merino, G., Hemre, G. I., & Williams, M. (2015). Feeding 9 billion by 2050–Putting fish back on the menu. Food Security, 7, 261-274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-015-0427-z
  • Brummett, R. E., Lazard, J., & Moehl, J. (2008). African aquaculture: Realizing the potential. Food policy, 33(5), 371-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2008.01.005
  • Cai, J., Quagrainie, K., & Hishamunda, N. (2017). Social and economic performance of tilapia farming in Africa. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular, (C1130).
  • Cocker, L. M. (2014). Strategic review on African aquaculture markets and export potential. Partnership for African Fisheries (PAF) Aquaculture Working Group. University of Stirling/NEPAD Report.
  • El-Sayed, A. F. M. (2017). Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture development in the Near East and North Africa-2015. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular, (C1135/6), I.
  • El-Sayed, A. F. M., Dickson, M. W., & El-Naggar, G. O. (2015). Value chain analysis of the aquaculture feed sector in Egypt. Aquaculture, 437, 92-101.
  • Elsheikh, W. (2021). Effects of climate change on aquaculture production. Eurasian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 5(2), 167-173.
  • Elsheikh, W., & Nasreldin, M. (2022). Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources in Sudan. Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research, 6(2), 83-90.
  • Elsheikh, W., Ucak, İ., & Bağdatlı, M. C. (2022). The Assessment of Global Warming on Fish Production in Red Sea Region of Sudan. Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research, 6(2), 110-119.
  • Elsheikh, W., Ucak, İ., & Bağdatlı, M. C. (2024, October). The Importance of Aquaculture Production in Africa. In International Anatolian Agriculture, Food, Environment and Biology Congress (pp. 291-295).
  • FAO (2020). Aquaculture growth potential in Africa. World Aquaculture Performance Indicators (WAPI) (March), 113. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
  • FAO (2021) FAO Fishery Statistical Collections, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, https://www.fao.org/fishery/activities/home, accessed 21 November 2024.
  • FAO, (2018). FAO. Fishery and aquaculture statistics. Global production by production source 1950-2016 (FishstatJ), FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome. http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/software/fishstatj/en
  • FAO. (2024). FAO Report: Global fisheries and aquaculture production reaches a new record high, untapped potential remains in Africa. FAO Regional Office for Africa. Retrieved from, https://www.fao.org/africa/news-stories/news-detail/fao-report--global-fisheries-and-aquaculture-production-reaches-a-new-record-high--untapped-potential-remains-in-africa/en
  • Feidi, I. (2018). Will the new large-scale aquaculture projects make Egypt self sufficient in fish supplies?. Mediterranean Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, 1(1), 31-41.
  • Halwart, M. (2020). Fish farming high on the global food system agenda in 2020. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, (61), II-III.
  • Hasimuna, O. J., Maulu, S., Monde, C., & Mweemba, M. (2019). Cage aquaculture production in Zambia: Assessment of opportunities and challenges on Lake Kariba, Siavonga district. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 45(3), 281-285.
  • Hebisha, H., & Fathi, M. (2014). Small and medium scale aquaculture value chain development in Egypt: Situation analysis and trends.
  • Heck, S., Béné, C., & Reyes‐Gaskin, R. (2007). Investing in African fisheries: building links to the Millennium Development Goals. Fish and Fisheries, 8(3), 211-226. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2679.2007.00251.x
  • Hinrichsen, E., Walakira, J. K., Langi, S., Ibrahim, N. A., Tarus, V., Badmus, O., & Baumüller, H. (2022). Prospects for Aquaculture Development in Africa: A review of past performance to assess future potential. ZEF Working Paper Series, No. 211, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn, https://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022021001555935838790
  • Kajungiro, R., Mapenzi, L., Nyinondi, C., Haldén, A. N., Mmochi, A., Chacha, M., ... & de Koning, D. J. (2019). The need of a structured tilapia breeding program in Tanzania to enhance aquaculture production: A review. Tanzania Journal of Science, 45(3), 355-371.
  • Koge, J., Opola, F., Obwanga, B., Kilelu, C., & Rurangwa, E. (2018). A comparative study on aquaculture sector development in Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria: Sharing insights and drawing lessons for Kenya: An Expert Group Round-Table Meeting, 16th March 2018, Azure Hotel, Nairobi (No. 002). Wageningen Marine Research.
  • Moehl, J., & Machena, C. (2000). African Aquaculture: A Regional Summary with Emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. FAO.
  • Mungkung, R., Aubin, J., Prihadi, T. H., Slembrouck, J., van der Werf, H. M., & Legendre, M. (2013). Life cycle assessment for environmentally sustainable aquaculture management: a case study of combined aquaculture systems for carp and tilapia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 57, 249-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.05.029
  • Mungkung, R., Phillips, M., Castine, S., Beveridge, M., Chaiyawannakarn, N., Nawapakpilai, S., & Waite, R. (2014). Exploratory analysis of resource demand and the environmental footprint of future aquaculture development using Life Cycle Assessment. WorldFish.
  • Musinguzi, L., Lugya, J., Rwezawula, P., Kamya, A., Nuwahereza, C., Halafo, J., ... & Ogutu-Ohwayo, R. (2019). The extent of cage aquaculture, adherence to best practices and reflections for sustainable aquaculture on African inland waters. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 45(6), 1340-1347.
  • Pison, G., Couppié, E., & Caporali, A. (2022). The population of the world, 2022. Population Societies, 603(8), 1-8.
  • Satia, B. P. (2011). Regional Review on Status and Trends in Aquaculture Development in Sub-saharan Africa-2010/Revue régionale sur la situation et les tendances dans l'aquaculture en Afrique subsaharienne-2010. FAO Fisheries and aquaculture circular, (C1061/4), I.
  • Satia, B. P. (2016). An overview of the large marine ecosystem programs at work in Africa today. Environmental development, 17, 11-19.
  • Satia, B. P. (2017). Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture development in sub-Saharan Africa–2015, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1135/4. Rome, Italy.
  • Shaalan, M., El-Mahdy, M., Saleh, M., & El-Matbouli, M. (2018). Aquaculture in Egypt: insights on the current trends and future perspectives for sustainable development. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 26(1), 99-110.
  • Soliman, N. F. (2017). Aquaculture in Egypt under changing climate. Alexandria Research Center for Adaptation to Climate Change (ARCA): Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Wadah E., Ucak, I., Bagdatli, M. C., & Mofid, A. (2022). Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Production: A Case Study Khartoum State, Sudan. J Agri Res, 7(3), 000299.
  • Waite, R., Beveridge, M., Brummett, R., Castine, S., Chaiyawannakarn, N., Kaushik, S., ... & Phillips, M. (2014). Improving productivity and environmental performance of aquaculture. WorldFish.

Afrika'da Su Ürünleri Yetiştiriciliği: Zorluklar ve Gelecek Perspektifleri

Year 2025, Volume: 21 Issue: 3, 256 - 265, 01.09.2025
https://doi.org/10.22392/actaquatr.1590329

Abstract

Afrika'da su ürünleri yetiştiriciliği kademeli bir büyüme göstermiştir, ancak ülkeler arasında su bulunabilirliği, ekonomik koşullar ve balıkçılığa erişimdeki farklılıklar nedeniyle ilerleme yavaş kalmaktadır. Bu nedenle, bu çalışma Afrika'daki balık çiftçiliği sektörünün zorluklarını ve beklentilerini incelemektedir. Su ürünleri yetiştiriciliği performansını değerlendirirken, gıda tedariğindeki rolü, nüfus büyüklüğü ve doğal kaynak bulunabilirliği gibi üretim seviyeleri veya GSYİH katkısının ötesindeki faktörler dikkate alınmalıdır. Mısır, ulusal balık tedarikine su ürünleri yetiştiriciliği katkısında başı çekerken, onu ihracata odaklanan Lesotho takip etmektedir. Etiyopya, Gine-Bissau ve Sudan'da kişi başına düşen balık tedariğinde önemli açıklar bulunmaktadır. Mısır, 2018 yılı üretiminin diğer tüm Afrika ülkelerinin toplamından fazla olmasıyla toplam üretimde de lider konumdadır. Ruanda, Burundi, Lesotho ve Benin gibi ülkeler son on yılda güçlü bir üretim büyümesi gösterirken, Lesotho, Güney Afrika ve Mauritius yüksek değerli su ürünleri yetiştiriciliği üretiminde öne çıkmaktadır. Deniz ve iç su balıkçılığında maksimum verime ulaşma, genişleyen pazarlar, kentleşme ve özel sektör büyüme fırsatlarının birleşimi, Afrika'da su ürünleri yetiştiriciliğinin geliştirilmesi için muazzam bir potansiyel sunmaktadır.

References

  • Abelti, A. L., & Teka, T. A. (2024). Intervening fish post‐harvest losses to narrow the gap between demand and supply: A review on magnitude of fish post‐harvest losses in some Sub‐Saharan African countries. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 4(2), e168.
  • Adedeji, O. B., & Okocha, R. C. (2011). Constraint to aquaculture development in Nigeria and way forward. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 7(7), 1133-1140.
  • Adeleke, B., Robertson-Andersson, D., Moodley, G., & Taylor, S. (2020). Aquaculture in Africa: A comparative review of Egypt, Nigeria, and Uganda vis-a-vis South Africa. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 29(2), 167-197. https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2020.1795615
  • Adewumi, A. A. (2015). Aquaculture in Nigeria: Sustainability issues and challenges. Direct Resource Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 3(12), 223-231.
  • Affognon, H., Mutungi, C., Sanginga, P., & Borgemeister, C. (2015). Unpacking postharvest losses in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis. World development, 66, 49-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.08.002
  • Agboola, J. O., Yossa, R., & Verreth, J. (2019). Assessment of existing and potential feed resources for improving aquaculture production in selected Asian and African countries. Monographs.
  • Ahmed, N., Thompson, S., & Glaser, M. (2019). Global aquaculture productivity, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptability. Environmental management, 63, 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1117-3
  • Asiedu, B., Adetola, J. O., & Odame Kissi, I. (2017). Aquaculture in troubled climate: Farmers’ perception of climate change and their adaptation. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 3(1), 1296400. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2017.1296400
  • Augustyn, J., Cockcroft, A., Kerwath, S., Lamberth, S., Githaiga-Mwicigi, J., Pitcher, G., Roberts, M., van der Lingen C. & Auerswald, L. (2017) South Africa. In B.F. Phillips & M. Pérez-Ramírez (eds.) Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Aquaculture (Vol. 14, pp. 479–522). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119154051.ch1
  • Bagdatli, M.C., Ucak, I. and Elsheikh, W., 2023. Impact of global warming on aquaculture in Norway. International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research, 10(3), pp.13-25
  • Bene, C., Barange, M., Subasinghe, R., Pinstrup-Andersen, P., Merino, G., Hemre, G. I., & Williams, M. (2015). Feeding 9 billion by 2050–Putting fish back on the menu. Food Security, 7, 261-274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-015-0427-z
  • Brummett, R. E., Lazard, J., & Moehl, J. (2008). African aquaculture: Realizing the potential. Food policy, 33(5), 371-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2008.01.005
  • Cai, J., Quagrainie, K., & Hishamunda, N. (2017). Social and economic performance of tilapia farming in Africa. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular, (C1130).
  • Cocker, L. M. (2014). Strategic review on African aquaculture markets and export potential. Partnership for African Fisheries (PAF) Aquaculture Working Group. University of Stirling/NEPAD Report.
  • El-Sayed, A. F. M. (2017). Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture development in the Near East and North Africa-2015. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular, (C1135/6), I.
  • El-Sayed, A. F. M., Dickson, M. W., & El-Naggar, G. O. (2015). Value chain analysis of the aquaculture feed sector in Egypt. Aquaculture, 437, 92-101.
  • Elsheikh, W. (2021). Effects of climate change on aquaculture production. Eurasian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 5(2), 167-173.
  • Elsheikh, W., & Nasreldin, M. (2022). Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources in Sudan. Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research, 6(2), 83-90.
  • Elsheikh, W., Ucak, İ., & Bağdatlı, M. C. (2022). The Assessment of Global Warming on Fish Production in Red Sea Region of Sudan. Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research, 6(2), 110-119.
  • Elsheikh, W., Ucak, İ., & Bağdatlı, M. C. (2024, October). The Importance of Aquaculture Production in Africa. In International Anatolian Agriculture, Food, Environment and Biology Congress (pp. 291-295).
  • FAO (2020). Aquaculture growth potential in Africa. World Aquaculture Performance Indicators (WAPI) (March), 113. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
  • FAO (2021) FAO Fishery Statistical Collections, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, https://www.fao.org/fishery/activities/home, accessed 21 November 2024.
  • FAO, (2018). FAO. Fishery and aquaculture statistics. Global production by production source 1950-2016 (FishstatJ), FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome. http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/software/fishstatj/en
  • FAO. (2024). FAO Report: Global fisheries and aquaculture production reaches a new record high, untapped potential remains in Africa. FAO Regional Office for Africa. Retrieved from, https://www.fao.org/africa/news-stories/news-detail/fao-report--global-fisheries-and-aquaculture-production-reaches-a-new-record-high--untapped-potential-remains-in-africa/en
  • Feidi, I. (2018). Will the new large-scale aquaculture projects make Egypt self sufficient in fish supplies?. Mediterranean Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, 1(1), 31-41.
  • Halwart, M. (2020). Fish farming high on the global food system agenda in 2020. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, (61), II-III.
  • Hasimuna, O. J., Maulu, S., Monde, C., & Mweemba, M. (2019). Cage aquaculture production in Zambia: Assessment of opportunities and challenges on Lake Kariba, Siavonga district. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 45(3), 281-285.
  • Hebisha, H., & Fathi, M. (2014). Small and medium scale aquaculture value chain development in Egypt: Situation analysis and trends.
  • Heck, S., Béné, C., & Reyes‐Gaskin, R. (2007). Investing in African fisheries: building links to the Millennium Development Goals. Fish and Fisheries, 8(3), 211-226. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2679.2007.00251.x
  • Hinrichsen, E., Walakira, J. K., Langi, S., Ibrahim, N. A., Tarus, V., Badmus, O., & Baumüller, H. (2022). Prospects for Aquaculture Development in Africa: A review of past performance to assess future potential. ZEF Working Paper Series, No. 211, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn, https://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022021001555935838790
  • Kajungiro, R., Mapenzi, L., Nyinondi, C., Haldén, A. N., Mmochi, A., Chacha, M., ... & de Koning, D. J. (2019). The need of a structured tilapia breeding program in Tanzania to enhance aquaculture production: A review. Tanzania Journal of Science, 45(3), 355-371.
  • Koge, J., Opola, F., Obwanga, B., Kilelu, C., & Rurangwa, E. (2018). A comparative study on aquaculture sector development in Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria: Sharing insights and drawing lessons for Kenya: An Expert Group Round-Table Meeting, 16th March 2018, Azure Hotel, Nairobi (No. 002). Wageningen Marine Research.
  • Moehl, J., & Machena, C. (2000). African Aquaculture: A Regional Summary with Emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. FAO.
  • Mungkung, R., Aubin, J., Prihadi, T. H., Slembrouck, J., van der Werf, H. M., & Legendre, M. (2013). Life cycle assessment for environmentally sustainable aquaculture management: a case study of combined aquaculture systems for carp and tilapia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 57, 249-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.05.029
  • Mungkung, R., Phillips, M., Castine, S., Beveridge, M., Chaiyawannakarn, N., Nawapakpilai, S., & Waite, R. (2014). Exploratory analysis of resource demand and the environmental footprint of future aquaculture development using Life Cycle Assessment. WorldFish.
  • Musinguzi, L., Lugya, J., Rwezawula, P., Kamya, A., Nuwahereza, C., Halafo, J., ... & Ogutu-Ohwayo, R. (2019). The extent of cage aquaculture, adherence to best practices and reflections for sustainable aquaculture on African inland waters. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 45(6), 1340-1347.
  • Pison, G., Couppié, E., & Caporali, A. (2022). The population of the world, 2022. Population Societies, 603(8), 1-8.
  • Satia, B. P. (2011). Regional Review on Status and Trends in Aquaculture Development in Sub-saharan Africa-2010/Revue régionale sur la situation et les tendances dans l'aquaculture en Afrique subsaharienne-2010. FAO Fisheries and aquaculture circular, (C1061/4), I.
  • Satia, B. P. (2016). An overview of the large marine ecosystem programs at work in Africa today. Environmental development, 17, 11-19.
  • Satia, B. P. (2017). Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture development in sub-Saharan Africa–2015, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1135/4. Rome, Italy.
  • Shaalan, M., El-Mahdy, M., Saleh, M., & El-Matbouli, M. (2018). Aquaculture in Egypt: insights on the current trends and future perspectives for sustainable development. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 26(1), 99-110.
  • Soliman, N. F. (2017). Aquaculture in Egypt under changing climate. Alexandria Research Center for Adaptation to Climate Change (ARCA): Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Wadah E., Ucak, I., Bagdatli, M. C., & Mofid, A. (2022). Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Production: A Case Study Khartoum State, Sudan. J Agri Res, 7(3), 000299.
  • Waite, R., Beveridge, M., Brummett, R., Castine, S., Chaiyawannakarn, N., Kaushik, S., ... & Phillips, M. (2014). Improving productivity and environmental performance of aquaculture. WorldFish.
There are 44 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Fisheries Management
Journal Section Review Articles
Authors

Musa Kose 0009-0009-2679-6784

Early Pub Date June 3, 2025
Publication Date September 1, 2025
Submission Date November 23, 2024
Acceptance Date March 18, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 21 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Kose, M. (2025). Aquaculture in Africa: Challenges and Future Prospects. Acta Aquatica Turcica, 21(3), 256-265. https://doi.org/10.22392/actaquatr.1590329