1. Introduction

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Namibia, requested ALCOM to evaluate the potential for inland aquaculture and small reservoir fisheries development. A mission was mounted 4–14 May 1993 with the following terms of reference:

• Review through published information and field visits, the current status of the exploitation of small water bodies and aquaculture.
• Identify the potential for expansion of the sector considering physical, biological, economic, social and legal (e.g. land ownership) factors.
• Describe the administrative and institutional set-up for aquaculture development.
• Identify potential areas for intervention for development of the sector, taking into account possible need for training and strengthening of institutions.
• Prepare a report, with project ideas for further elaboration.

During initial discussions with MFMR, the mission was informed that MFMR is preparing a “white paper” on freshwater fisheries policy, including aquaculture. MFMR requested that the mission identify issues relevant to policy formulation with respect to aquaculture and small reservoir fisheries under subsistence and commercial production, bearing in mind the relative importance of the marine fisheries sector.

The mission undertook field visits to aquaculture and small reservoir fisheries activities in northern (Oshana Region of Owambo) and central Namibia, and the Freshwater Fisheries Institute, Hardap Dam (FFI) with Mr. Clinton Hay, Fisheries Biologist, MFMR. Consultations were held with FAO, Government, NGO and private individuals at the places visited and in the capital, Windhoek. A list of key persons met is given in Appendix 1, and the mission's detailed itinerary is given Appendix 2. The FAO Representative and officials of MFMR were briefed on the findings and recommendations of the mission prior to departure from Namibia.