Government confirms commitment to prioritise aquaculture

Deputy Minister opens aquaculture conference

SOUTH AFRICA: The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritise the aquaculture sector as well as the need to focus on technology and market demands during his address at the opening of the 15^th Aquaculture Association of South Africa Conference in Stellenbosch.

“The government of South Africa has identified aquaculture as a priority for our country and the entire African continent,” he said highlighting the predicted growth of the sector on the African continent.

“The FAO predicts that Africa will see the biggest growth in aquaculture. Expansion in Africa's aquaculture sector is nearly double the global rate, with growth rates reaching up to 23% in some regions. This continued expansion offers a powerful means to address food and nutrition security and promote equitable benefits across communities in Africa.”

Singh also noted the need to invest in solutions tailored to the African continent. “By developing and adopting technologies and practices suitable for local conditions, we can ensure that aquaculture development is both efficient, implementable, and environmentally responsible. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation will enable us to build a vibrant aquaculture sector that supports social and economic growth, conserves natural resources, and meets the nutritional needs of our communities,” he said.

“The Department is coordinating various support interventions required to unlock sector growth, including creating an enabling business environment through the establishment of Aquaculture Development Zones, enacting dedicated aquaculture legislation, unlocking local and international markets, technology development, and coordinating funding and finance support programs.”

The Deputy Minister also called for collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities. “It is through collaboration that we can share knowledge, develop capacity, and drive the technological advancements needed to unlock the full potential of aquaculture in Africa.”

According to the latest statistics provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector, expanding at an annual rate of 7 percent. Globally, aquaculture now contributes more than 50 percent of all aquatic products, making a significant contribution to the transformation of food production systems.

“As we confront the challenges of climate change, population growth, and food insecurity, aquaculture offers us a powerful tool for sustainable development. It presents an opportunity to enhance our nutrition and food security, generate employment, especially in rural areas, and drive economic growth while safeguarding our environment and promoting the sustainable use of our natural resources,” he added.

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