Tropentag, October 11 - 13, 2006 in Bonn "Prosperity and Poverty in a Globalized World – Challenges for Agricultural Research"

Assistance in Establishment of Sustainable Aquaculture in Bié Province, Angola

¹Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech Republic
²Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, Institute of Tropics and Subtropics, Czech Republic
³Czech University of Agriculture, Department of Engineering, Economy and Rural Development, Czech Republic

Abstract

In the Bié province were identified possibilities of fish production as a favourable source of animal proteins for human consumption. The province was hardly affected during 27 years civil war. Infrastructure like roads, electricity, education and health systems felt to ruins. Reconstruction activities nowadays interfere with constrains caused by land mines. Factors like difficult transport of goods and food from the coastal harbours, restricted area for local food production and long-term interruption of agricultural production, which resulted in inexperienced farmers, lead to food deficiency.
Although fish are important part of human nutrition in the province, fish production from rivers is insufficient at present. The natural stocks are in many places grossly overfished mainly by usage of fish poison (leafs of Tephrosia spp.) and explosives. This unselective catching approach has resulted in a serious decline of fish availability in some areas. On the other hand almost all communities have small streams close to the village which also could be potential sites for fish farming. Very good climatic conditions and natural water resources challenge the feasibility of sufficient fish production.
The advantage of fish farming is relatively cheap and easy to establish its production. Introduction of aquaculture ponds into farming systems can improve the economic and ecological sustainability of resource-poor farms. Potential benefits from integrating aquaculture in smallholder farming systems include: producing high nutritional value food for human consumption, contribution to rural income via employment within farming as well as within related activities and improvement of food security due to diversification of the production. The fisheries sector, including fish farming, is one of the priority sectors targeted for development for the province government.
Main tasks for establishment of fish production in the Bié province represent:
Identifying of fish species that can be reared in fish ponds or cages (preferably local species to reduce negative impact to native fish communities).
Development of integrated extensive fish farming technology suitable for local conditions.
Assistance with construction of pioneer integrated fish farms within the local communities.
Providing workshops and information campaign on the possibilities of fish farming.

Keywords: Angola, fish farming, fish production, nutrition

Contact Address: Petra Holikova, Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, Institute of Tropics and Subtropics, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic, e-mail: secretarynatura.czu.cz