Windhoek
The natural stocks in most part of Africa continue to deplete and sustainable means of maintaining fish as a food source is crucially important, says Hiskia Asino of the Geographical Information System (GIS) Consultancy. According to him the rapid development in many of the major aquaculture producing countries are reaching severe environmental limitations, which provides greater opportunities for Namibians and Africa to be leading producers on a global scale. Therefore position self and the future generations with a foundation leading to the next page of the blue revolution with equipped knowhow and plans that will make the country prominent in the industry in imperative.
“The long anticipated rainy season has once again commenced over various parts of Namibia, particularly in the area with perennial sources of water. Despite the sporadic rain patterns we experience, aquaculture still holds great potential in the area of producing farmed fish to the nation and various rural communities throughout most parts of the country. The government of Namibia through the Ministry of Fisheries has invested substantially in the sector for over ten years although the impact being notable there is plenty of potential still remaining,” Asino comments. Aquaculture in most parts of the world was developed to create and improve household protein consumption which is limited in many parts of Namibia despite having water resources.
He says tilapia and catfish species originating from Africa played a major role in transforming aquaculture industry in many Asian and American countries during a time which was called the blue revolution. Advanced research has already been applied on fish species thus further simplifying Namibia’s ability to produce them at production levels comparative to what is produced in other parts of the world. Low labour costs, pristine environmental conditions and high market demand are some of the major ingredients that make aquaculture an attractive means of production. Limited skills and knowledge also have provided significant challenges, but being a routine simple method of farming matters of this nature can be resolved.
It’s therefore crucially important that Namibia finds mechanisms that will enable her to take full advantage of her available water resources and develop aquaculture to provide food security, skills, and job creation.