Ibadan: WorldFish, in collaboration with Trademark Africa and Mastercard Foundation, has embarked on a transformative initiative targeting 25,000 women and youth to revitalize the fishery and aquaculture sectors in Nigeria and Tanzania. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness of these sectors through job creation, climate-smart practices, and minimizing post-harvest losses.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Charles Iyangbe, WorldFish’s Country Representative in Nigeria, shared insights on this initiative during a workshop in Ibadan. The workshop gathered key stakeholders to contribute to the program’s design, addressing significant challenges impeding sector growth.
“The objective of this workshop is to bring all stakeholders together to see how we can provide input into the design of this project that is meant to increase the competitiveness of the fishery and aquaculture sector in Nigeria and Tanzania,” Iyangbe stated. The focus is on supporting women and youth by creating and diversifying job opportunities within the fishery and aquatic food system.
Iyangbe highlighted four thematic areas that would facilitate job creation: innovation in the feed sector, climate-smart aquaculture, digitalization and financial access, and reducing post-harvest losses while supporting the value chain. The intervention will impact six Nigerian states, relying on collaboration with farmers’ organizations, government, and research institutions.
Mr. Wellington Omoragbon, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasized the impact of quality feed affordability and availability on fish farmers’ productivity. He pointed out the need for increased investment and innovation to lower production costs, with feed representing over 75% of operational expenses.
Omoragbon assured partners of the government’s commitment to providing policy and institutional backing for sustainable outcomes. Ms. Hadhami Hammi, Senior Expert in Monitoring and Evaluation of AfCFTA, expressed readiness to work with partners on strategic project implementation, emphasizing support for African countries in developing fisheries programs.
Dr. Foluke Areola, Global President of the World Aquaculture Society, noted the project’s timeliness amid rising fish feed costs and the growing significance of fisheries and aquaculture for food security, livelihoods, and economic development. The workshop included participants from various sectors, including government agencies, private enterprises, financial institutions, research bodies, and farmers’ groups.