Aquaculture for increased fish production in East Africa

Fish is produced for human consumption and other purposes through capture fisheries and aquaculture. Fish production from natural stocks has already reached its limits and is declining while aquaculture production is increasing. Aquaculture is making a significant contribution to fish production in several countries thus proving to be a potential alternative to supplement the declining capture fisheries. In East Africa the contribution of aquaculture to the total fish production is still insignificant although it has been practised in the region since the 1900s. The predominant aquaculture production system in East Africa at present is small scale earthen ponds characterised by low inputs and low yields. Important ingredients for the emergence of a commercial aquaculture industry are highlighted with emphasis on the need for a conducive and harmonised policy framework across the region. This paper advocates a focused plan of action for aquaculture development in the region and makes succinct recommendations for fast transformation of the industry.Key words: Aquaculture, East Africa, Lake Victoria basin, production, marketing, regulation, new technologies