[Project] AfriMAQUA - Sustainable marine aquaculture in Africa

Context

It is estimated that by 2030 world fish consumption per capita will increase on all continents with the exception of Africa, because human population is growing faster than the fish offer on this continent. This raises food security issues due to the high prevalence of undernutrition in the region and the importance of fish in the total protein intake in many African countries.

As aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector, global aquaculture production today exceeds that of fisheries in order to meet the growing demand of the world's population for aquatic protein. Based on inland aquaculture, Africa accounts for only 2% of global aquaculture production despite the great potential and significant expansion of its aquaculture industry. Thus, although it is the second largest continent, Africa is currently one of the lowest marine aquaculture producers in the world, despite its considerable potential for food security.

Objectives

In this context, the objective of GDRI-Sud AfriMAQUA is to bring together research teams in the field of marine aquaculture in West Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast), Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa), East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius) and actors from UMR MARBEC (France) in order to exchange knowledge, pool research efforts and strengthen research capacity. At this stage, four convergent and priority research themes have been identified in AfriMAQUA, based on an ecosystemic approach to aquaculture,  contributing to the development of a blue and sustainable economy, and respecting ecosystems and their biodiversity:

• Control of the biological cycles of species of aquaculture interest
• Establishment of a healthy and sustainable diet for the species produced
• Development of ecosystem-friendly livestock farming systems
• Improvement of the welfare and health of organisms and livestock systems

Network

AfriMAQUA will promote the integration and active participation of students (masters and PhDs) and young researchers. They will benefit from training workshops, distance learning and exchange grants in laboratories within the network. Synergies within the network will make it possible to respond to regional and international calls for projects. Special attention will be given to disseminating the results produced by the consortium members to scientific, governmental and industrial actors as well as to civil society.