Fish farming initiatives in Cameroon's coastal and south-western regions are transforming local economies and enhancing living standards. Spearheaded by the Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP), funded by the African Development Bank, these efforts are empowering communities, particularly women and youth, through improved aquaculture practices.
Driving Economic Transformation Through Aquaculture
The PD-CVEP, a 84 million euro initiative implemented by Cameroon’s Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, is making a significant impact. The project focuses on a superior strain of African catfish developed by the Agricultural Research Institute for Development.
This strain boasts rapid growth, reaching harvest weight in five to six months, compared to previous strains that took eight to nine months. It also features higher fry survival rates and increased reproductive capacity, with females producing up to 20,000 fry per cycle, up to three times a year.
Empowering Fish Farmers and Enhancing Food Security
Over 2,600 broodstock fish have been distributed to 50 selected hatcheries as part of the project's pre-extension phase. This aims to enhance fish genetic quality, foster farmer self-sufficiency, and address food security concerns.
Pilot hatcheries have already produced and sold over 115,000 fry since October 2024, with encouraging results reported by most participants. Fish farmers like Fanta Njifondjou Oumarou in Limbé express increased confidence and motivation, feeling better equipped to profit from their ventures.
The project's scope extends beyond broodstock provision, encompassing integrated value chain development. Approximately 280 fish farmers have received extensive training in areas such as floating cage farming, reproduction, hatchery management, aquaculture feed, and business management. This comprehensive approach aims to bolster technical skills, economic resilience, and the quality of fish products available in the local market.
Boosting National Production and Market Demand
The PD-CVEP's strategic goal is to increase national fish production by 10,000 tons annually by 2027, thereby reducing import reliance and bolstering food security. Recommendations from an April 2025 AfDB mission include accelerating the supply of improved catfish and tilapia broodstock. A total of 15,000 broodstock are slated for delivery under an agreement with the Agricultural Research Institute for Development.
A collaborative system involving the Institute, the Project, and the Ministry works closely with regional fish farming associations to ensure rigorous monitoring of broodstock performance and usage. Hermine Kemedeu Tchuileu, a beneficiary in Douala, highlights the reliability and improved yields of the certified broodstock, noting their faster growth and fewer issues compared to older, untraceable strains.
Market traders and restaurants are also recognizing the enhanced quality and taste of fish produced from the new catfish strains. Vendors like Ms. Moukoudi Mbappé Dolie in Douala report increased income, with customers appreciating the fish's firm flesh and appealing flavour.
Improving Working Conditions and Future Outlook
Recognizing the challenging working conditions faced by fishmongers, the project includes an upgrading plan for sales facilities. This involves installing hygienic counters, ensuring access to ice and running water, and enhancing security. Marthe Epoko, a vendor at the Deïdo market, emphasizes that these improvements are essential for better fish preservation and dignified sales.
Future plans include significant improvements to fish farms in Bamenda, Yaoundé, and Foumban, which will strengthen the national supply of quality fish fry and establish strategic supply centres across the country. The PD-CVEP is viewed as a vital local development ecosystem, fostering resilience, training, innovation, and inclusion, aligning perfectly with Cameroon's national rural transformation policy.
