Aquaculture Growth in Congo Addresses Fish Scarcity

Fish scarcity in Congo, driven by overfishing, is leading to a boom in aquaculture as a potential solution. Wilde Bahamboula, a fish farmer, highlights the impact of rising fish prices on consumers, with a giant catfish costing over 7,000 CFA francs, making it a luxury for many low-income households.

The minimum wage in the country is 50,000 CFA francs. Fish farmers are facing challenges due to high feed costs, which account for about 75 percent of production expenses.

They are advocating for stronger connections with the agricultural sector and increased local production of fish feed. According to the FAO, Congo-Brazzaville produces nearly 1,500 tonnes of farmed fish each year, while the average fish consumption is 25 kilograms per person annually.

As prices continue to rise and supplies remain limited, aquaculture is being positioned as a means to enhance fish accessibility and support future food security.