People are often reluctant to get into aquaculture because projects in this sector have a reputation for failing. But, according to Etienne Hinrichsen, aquaculture expert, this is usually the result of poor planning. Like any other farming business, aquaculture requires a detailed feasibility assessment. In the feasibility analysis, ask yourself…
Read an exclusive interview with Mary Banda, Sales Officer for Skretting Zambia, a returning bronze sponsor at the upcoming Agritech Expo Zambia in Chisamba from 12 to 14 April 2018. Welcome to Agritech Expo! What would you consider as particular highlights for your company during 2018? As Skretting Zambia was…
Question: I would like to farm with fish in a dam, but I need help to choose the right species. I’ve read that one should rather opt for fish species that already occur in the area. Can you assist, please? Choosing a fish species to farm in terms of your…
Bringing an existing fish production demonstration unit into operation and the planned establishment of a national aquaculture diagnostic laboratory are positive developments that will improve fish health and boost farm productivity, says the Fish Producers’ Association of Zimbabwe. The aquaculture diagnostic lab will be housed at the Veterinary Research Laboratory,…
The Zimbabwe Fish Producers’ Association (ZFPA) has confirmed an outbreak of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) among fish in 25 bodies of water across 15 districts of the country. EUS is a high-mortality fish disease caused by a fungal agent. Its primary symptoms include skin lesions that cause sickness and often…
The Egyptian government has launched the first phase of a US$100 million fish farm project as part of a broader national food security strategy that seeks to revive the fishing industry. The Berket Ghalioun Fish Farm is run by the government-owned National Company for Fisheries. At full production, it is…
A US$390 million contract between the Zambian government and China Railways Seventh Group will transform the 200 000 ha Kalungwishi farm block into a model of inclusive agricultural growth, said Zambian Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya. Under the deal, 800 jobs are expected to be created when the project starts, while…
Question: I’m interested in keeping koi fish. Can you help with more information, please? Having koi in the garden pond has become a popular hobby, but if you want to breed the fish as well, it’s important to know how to go about it before you start. Koi breeding is…
AquaBioTech Group’s Aquaculture Opportunities workshop in Cameroon will take place on 22 November in Douala, parallel to the Cameroon International SME Trade Fair (PMEXCHANGE). The three-hour workshop - Aquaculture Opportunities in Cameroon - has attracted local stakeholders’ attention and is fully booked. It aims to be short and concise, and…
Question: I’d like to learn more about aquaculture. Can you help, please? Over-exploitation and climate change put a strain on natural marine and freshwater fish stocks. Aquaculture can help alleviate the pressure and ensure that stock keeps up with the rising demand. Some farmers do not consider aquaculture viable because…
The 2018 budget will especially benefit Zambian crop, livestock and fish farmers, said Zambian Finance Minister Felix Mutati. Mutati delivered his K71.6 billion budget on Friday, highlighting the improvement of agriculture market information systems and the development of functional markets. The focus will be on sustaining high production and enhancing…
Construction of a state of the art US$10 million fish feed plant in Siavonga in Zambia’s Southern Province, has been completed. It is the first plant of its kind in the country. Government has meanwhile called for more private sector investment in the aquaculture industry to increase fish production. “This…
Aquaculture is enjoying unprecedented growth worldwide. For local farmers, it offers an opportunity to diversify profitably. Aquaculture (fish farming) is not a quick fix to get you out of trouble but is rather a diversification that can help your cash flow if your main farming enterprise is taking strain. Charles…
The number of small-scale fish farmers in the Copperbelt has increased to 1 400 – from a mere 200 – over the last decade. According to provincial fisheries principal officer Zyangani Chirambo, the increase is of great significance to the economic diversification of the province which largely depends on copper…
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) is proposing that government introduce fishing licences in the 2018 national budget to curb the depletion of fish stock. “Fishing licenses for fishermen will help to control the depletion of stocks mainly caused by rampant and illegal fishing. “The licenses will be fundamental…
A Zambian traditional leader, alarmed by the destructive use of explosives to fish, has called on government to intervene, especially because of an increase in the use of explosives. Chief Machiya, from Copperbelt Province, said so rampant is the use of explosives that he feared fish stocks will be completely…
There is a profitable opportunity for banks to finance small to medium-sized agricultural enterprises in southern Africa and globally, said Randall Brummett from the World Bank. According to Brummett, the average capital expenditure of aquaculture farms in Southern Africa is more or less $5 million, meaning most of the farms…
CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) in partnership with WorldFish have launched a research programme on fish called FISH during the Global Aquaculture Conference, currently underway in Cape Town. The programme was launched to tackle food security and nutrition, enhance livelihoods in emerging countries and also to address poor…
The South African firm Skretting has invested €4.5 million to help produce fish feed in Zambia. This while government is calling for more private sector investment in stock manufacturing to support the growing aquaculture sector. General manager Abraham Swanepoel said the construction of the plant at Siavonga in Southern Province…
African aquaculture will be under the spotlight when the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) convenes for its first ever annual international conference on the continent. The conference will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa from 26 to 30 June and is co-organized by the WAS,…
According to the Republikein, a total of 29 Zambians were arrested for illegal fishing in the Muyako area near Ngoma in the Zambezi region. According to a crime report released by the police earlier this morning, the arrests were made after the police conducted a routine inspection in the area.…
Zambia's Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Michael Katambo says Zambia has a staggering bill of nearly K4 billion for importing fish. The minister said Zambia is spending more than K3.8 billion on fish imports to offset the national deficit. “Zambian fish farmers are missing out on the K4 billion fish…
A US$91 million African Development Bank (AfDB) loan acquired by the Zambian government will help boost aquaculture development in Luapula Province. Fisheries and Livestock permanent secretary David Shamulenge said the bulk of the money will be used to help smallholder farmers increase production of fingerlings and fish feed. “Luapula is…
The Zambian Livestock and Fisheries Ministry in partnership with the International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD) have put up K220 000 to set up a fish hatchery with the capacity to produce 200 000 fingerlings in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province. Livestock and fisheries district officer Bright Malambo said the establishment of the…