The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has committed to supporting the development of the country’s aquaculture and fisheries industries.
This announcement was made by Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of FAO, during a bilateral meeting with Emma Metieh Glassco, Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) of Liberia.
The meeting took place at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, during the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI 36).
The primary focus of the discussion was the enhancement of Liberia’s aquaculture sector, particularly fish farming, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and food security.
Barange emphasized FAO’s dedication to partnering with Liberia to strengthen its legal framework and technical capacities.
The partnership aims to transition Liberia from subsistence fish farming to a more sustainable and commercially viable aquaculture sector.
Barange highlighted that the FAO’s involvement will be instrumental in creating job opportunities, improving livelihoods, and ensuring a steady supply of fresh fish in local markets.
The initiative will concentrate on two main fish species: tilapia and catfish, which are suitable for cultivation in Liberia’s aquatic environments.
“Aquaculture development is not just about increasing fish production; it’s about creating a sustainable industry that can provide economic benefits and food security for the people of Liberia,” Barange stated.
“By focusing on species like tilapia and catfish, we aim to meet local market demands and support the country’s economic growth.”
Director-General Glassco expressed her enthusiasm about the engagement, noting that aquaculture represents the future of Liberia’s fisheries sector.
She highlighted the growing demand for fish, which has been exacerbated by the decline in wild capture fisheries due to adverse climatic conditions and other factors.
Glassco believes that with FAO’s technical support, Liberia can achieve a positive transformation in its aquaculture industry.
“Given the increasing challenges faced by our wild capture fisheries, turning to aquaculture with FAO’s guidance is a strategic move for Liberia.
This collaboration promises to bring about significant improvements in our fish farming practices, ultimately benefiting our economy and food security,” Glassco remarked.
FAO’s commitment extends beyond technical support to ensuring women’s participation in aquaculture.
The organization plans to provide capacity-building programs that will enable women to produce fish feed, a crucial component for aquaculture development.
This inclusive approach aims to empower women, enhance their economic status, and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
Glassco further noted that NaFAA will soon send an official request to FAO, seeking to formalize the partnership through a signed agreement.
This agreement will outline the roles and responsibilities of both parties in advancing Liberia’s aquaculture sector.
In addition to the technical agreement, a program for technical exchange with countries that have successful aquaculture practices, such as Egypt, will be initiated.
This exchange will allow Liberian fish farmers and industry professionals to learn from established aquaculture programs and adopt best practices.
“Learning from countries with advanced aquaculture systems will be invaluable. The knowledge and techniques gained through these exchanges will be crucial in building a robust aquaculture industry in Liberia,” Glassco added.
The collaboration between FAO and NaFAA marks a pivotal step in the development of Liberia’s agricultural sector.
By focusing on aquaculture, the initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance food security, promote sustainable farming practices, and empower local communities.
As Liberia embarks on this transformative journey, the partnership with FAO promises to bring about lasting benefits for the nation’s economy and its people.
The FAO’s commitment to Liberia’s aquaculture development underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing food security challenges.
With the right support and strategic investments, Liberia’s aquaculture sector has the potential to thrive, providing a sustainable source of nutrition and economic growth for the country.
By: Benjamin Quaye Johnson
