The Southern African Development Community (SADC) hosted the Proposal Development Writeshop of the Regional Fish Genetic Improvement Programme from 22 – 26 July 2024 in Blantyre, Malawi. The main objective of the Writeshop was to support agricultural research and development and mobilise resources for the advancement of agriculture and the improvement of food security. The Writeshop brought together participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop fundable proposals.
The Writeshop was a collaborative effort between SADC, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), WorldFish, and the Government of Malawi. This initiative was supported under the CAADP-XP4 Programme, funded to the tune of EUR 30 million from the European Union and administered by the International Fund Agricultural Development (IFAD).
SADC places great importance on indigenous fish species as a means to reduce biodiversity risks and improve productivity and production in the aquaculture sector. The development of the SADC Regional Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) was approved by SADC Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Food Security, Fisheries, and Aquaculture in 2017. This programme aims to support sustainable regional tilapia value chains and enhance economic and socio-economic opportunities across the region.
Dr Motseki Hlatshwayo, the Fisheries Technical Advisor at the SADC Secretariat and PROFISHBLUE Project Manager, emphasised the objectives of the Writeshop. He highlighted the importance of developing and improving the tilapia species in Malawi and praised the efforts of the National Aquaculture Development Centre in Domasi, Malawi, in breeding the Shire tilapia. He also recognised the Republics of Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia, as well as the United Republic of Tanzania, for their ongoing work in the genetic improvement of different species of tilapia fish. Dr Hlatshwayo emphasised that the tilapia fish is an excellent species, possessing natural high tolerance to variable water quality and demonstrating growth potential in both freshwater and marine environments.
These fish breeds are also known for their high disease resistance and their affordability and suitability for small-scale farmers in terms of breeding for food, nutrition, and income generation.
Dr. Hlatshwayo acknowledged the support received from CCARDESA in various technical work related to the development of the “Concept Note on Genetic Improvement of Indigenous Fish Species for Enhanced Aquaculture Productivity and Production in SADC Region (GIFISH Project)”. This Concept Note serves as the basis for negotiating the next phase of the PROFISHBLUE Project through the African Development Bank (AfDB) and for scaling up the identified fish species.
Dr. Hastings Zidana, the Director of Fisheries at the Department of Fisheries for the Republic of Malawi, highlighted the significance of tilapia development in the region. He pointed out that current tilapia production is around 180,000 metric tons, below the target of 330,000 metric tons set for the year 2030. Dr. Zidana discussed the strategies in place to advance and scale up production through research and learning opportunities among SADC Member States. He mentioned that the Republic of Malawi, through the National Aquaculture Development Centre is continuously building research capacity and developing crucial expertise for the growth and development of the broader aquaculture sub-sector. He applauded the continued support from SADC and partnerships that contribute expertise, equipment and skills to the National Aquaculture Development Centre in Malawi, with the aim of making it a center of excellence capable of fully executing its mandate not only for Malawi but for the SADC region as a whole.
Dr. Zidana highlighted the need to improve both the national and regional Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) and stressed the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration to achieve meaningful results.
Ms. Amanda Chembezi, a Board Member for CCARDESA, also emphasised the objectives of the Writeshop. She viewed it as a significant milestone in building a regional research and development programme, which is a cornerstone of CCARDESA’s efforts to support the SADC region in aquaculture and fish production. Ms. Chembezi highlighted CCARDESA’s renewed focus on research priorities in agricultural development, particularly in aquaculture and fisheries sectors. She stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive development plan to support aquaculture and fish programmes.
She further highlighted that CCARDESA’s renewed focus on research priorities in agricultural development on aquaculture also positions aquaculture and fisheries sectors as a priority and ensures that a comprehensive development plan will be put in place to support aquaculture and fish programmes.
Of significance, one of the prominent areas of discussion involved the GIFISH Project Concept Note, which aligns with both national and regional plans and programmes. The development of the GIFISH Project Concept Note complies with the requirements set forth by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and has been identified as a proposal that meets the criteria for bankable projects by the AfDB.
The four-day Writeshop provided a valuable opportunity for eleven (11) SADC Member States to showcase their commitment to training, observation, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of sustainable strategies. The 28 participants included experts in fish genetics, biology, hatchery management and aquaculture from both the public and private sectors, research institutions and academia.