Committee for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of Africa holds 20th session to discuss sector's future

The Session will highlight the need for sustainable practices and technological advancements to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by inland capture fisheries and aquaculture.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Fatou Diouf, the Minister of Fisheries, Maritime Infrastructure and Ports of the Republic of Senegal said, “This session, which brings together inland fisheries and aquaculture representatives from CIFAA member states, specialized agencies, and observers, aims to advance aquaculture in Africa and facilitate knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and the promotion of sustainable practices across the continent.”

Robert Guei, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Western Africa and FAO Representative in Senegal, reiterated the importance of collective efforts. “Understanding the dynamics and drivers of the inland and aquaculture sectors is critical for the sustainable use of Africa’s valuable aquatic resources. Our collective commitment to innovation, best practices, and partnerships will help empower fish farmers and strengthen the resilience of these sectors, supporting the FAO Blue Transformation vision in Africa,” he said.

The FAO Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with the Government of Senegal, is hosting CIFAA20, which runs from 23 to 25 September 2024. 

Insights into inland fisheries

Vera Agostini, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at FAO will present at CIFAA20 the Review of the State of the World Fishery Resources: Inland Fisheries. The study, which offers crucial insights for policymakers and practitioners on the status of inland fisheries in Africa, is a co-publishing partnership between FAO and the African Development Bank. This commitment by the leading regional development bank is a first.

The report provides an overview of the current state of inland fisheries, covering production levels, types of fisheries, and their geographic distribution, along with analyses at national, sub-regional and global scales.

Mr. Mohamed Cherif, African Development Bank Country Manager for Senegal, said, “The Bank's ten-year strategy emphasizes the fundamental role of knowledge in improving the effectiveness of its action. In the field of natural resources, the Bank Group recognizes the essential role of the FAO in the production of knowledge on water, forests and fisheries. It is therefore a source of great satisfaction for the Bank to see this document published jointly for the benefit of our member states.”

In addition, the report suggests ways of improving the quality of information about the sector and its connection to wider food systems and watershed development. It also looks at the management of inland fisheries which presents unique challenges and opportunities due to their predominantly small-scale, diverse and dispersed nature.

The report highlights that global inland capture fisheries are estimated to have produced 11.4 million tonnes in 2021. This represents over 12 percent of worldwide capture fisheries production and with a far lower environmental footprint compared to other protein‑dense foods. The countries of Africa’s Great Lakes sub-region accounted for 12.2 percent of global inland capture fisheries in 2021.

About CIFAA

CIFAA was established in 1971 as one of FAO’s longstanding Regional Fisheries Commissions, with the aim of promoting sustainable fisheries and enhancing cooperation among African countries. The Committee’s functions include promoting research, establishing regulatory measures, preventing environmental damage, supporting fish culture, and enhancing education and training in inland fisheries and aquaculture.