Côte d’Ivoire is heavily dependent on imports of fishery products (more than 80% of consumption estimated at 600,000 tonnes/year). The country in its 2030 strategy aims to make aquaculture development a key instrument for economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and job creation. In this context, the aquaculture of tilapia, the main fish species farmed in Côte d’Ivoire (7,700 tonnes/year) is an opportunity to reverse the trend.
Within the framework of the programme FISH4ACP, FAO is supporting the upgrading of the farmed tilapia value chain in Côte d’Ivoire. Ten (10) farms were selected nationwide as part of the implementation of the FISH4ACP strategy in Côte d’Ivoire. These extensive or semi-intensive pilot farms are representative of the different types of farming used across the country. FISH4ACP is providing them with technical and financial support to turn them into demonstration sites of improved business models and best farm management techniques.
The presentation will highlight first results of the approach of as well as discuss the challenges linked with the use of pilot farm to mainstream improve practices and business models.