44. The Consultation recognized that:
i. There is much potential for economically viable and sustainable aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, commercial aquaculture is slowly taking roots in sub-Saharan Africa.ii. Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have the will to develop policies to enable commercial aquaculture to take off or expand; a few countries have or are developing such policies.
iii. Currently, most viable commercial aquaculture produces shrimp, tilapia or catfish; these three species should be the focus for commercial aquaculture at least for the time being.
iv. Economic and environmental viability require careful adaptation of technology to local conditions and can be achieved only in favourable circumstances.
v. Both small- and large-scale commercial aquaculture contribute to food security and economic growth.
vi. It is urgent that commercial aquaculture expands in sub-Saharan Africa.
vii. Expansion of commercial aquaculture is hindered by:
- the lack of capital,viii. Enabling policies are essential to start and/or expand commercial aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa.
- the shortage of skilled manpower,
- the unstable supplies of inputs such as high quality feeds and seed,
- and by the lack of strategic planning which links aquaculture to other sectors of the economy.ix. Enabling policies for commercial aquaculture is often hindered by restrictions on government support imposed by structural adjustment agreements entered into by several sub-Saharan governments and by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
