UN urges Africa to boost fish farming for food security
Africa’s fish-farming sector needs rapid expansion to meet growing food demands, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. The latest FAO report highlights that while global aquaculture production is at record levels, Africa is falling behind. Manuel Barange, director of the FAO’s fisheries division, emphasized the opportunities aquaculture presents for the continent. The FAO is calling for urgent action from African governments to create supportive regulations and attract investment.
What we know
- The FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report notes global fish and seafood trade is worth $184 billion.
- Fish-farming surpassed traditional fishing as the main food production source in 2021 and exceeded 100 million tonnes for the first time in 2024.
- Only 18 percent of Africa’s fish comes from farms, compared to about half globally.
- Sub-Saharan Africa’s fish production must grow by 68 percent by 2050 to meet population demands, according to the FAO.
- Manuel Barange stressed that aquaculture could be transformative for Africa if governments act quickly to support the sector.
