Cameroonian aquaculture faces a structural crisis: between lack of funding and local initiatives in search of support
A promising but underfunded sector
In Cameroon, aquaculture represents a sector that generates jobs and economic opportunities. However, it still faces many structural challenges, mainly related to the lack of funding and the weak dissemination of local innovations. This situation hinders the expansion of production units and the satisfaction of the growing demand for fish in the country.
Souleymanou Houda, a fish farmer from Maroua in the Far North region, illustrates these difficulties. With her association, she makes local fish feed using products such as smoked and dried catfish, as well as tilapia. But despite their efforts, the lack of financial support and poor infrastructure limit their ability to satisfy the market.
“We would like to expand our production units and have a feed manufacturing plant. Imported feed is very expensive, so we have learned to produce our own feed, but it is still not enough to meet demand,” she explains.
Inputs available but production limited
In the Far North, local inputs such as peanut cake, soybean cake, cotton cake, cassava flour, corn and palm oil are theoretically available. However, their industrial production remains hampered by a lack of capital.
Blo Oumarou, president of the Interprofessional Organization for the Development of Aquaculture in Cameroon (ODIAC), deplores the lack of funding.
“We are left to our own devices. No fish farmer here has received funding. If we had support comparable to that in other regions, we could meet the challenge,” he says.
Companies in difficulty
Actors like Willy Deutia, promoter of Mungo Fish Farm, have been producing 35 tons of fish every month for three years. However, the inadequacy of local inputs directly impacts their activity.
“We are seriously lacking inputs. If local production of corn or wheat were to increase, it would help enormously to stabilise our production chain,” he explains.
Innovative solutions proposed by researchers
Faced with these challenges, local experts are proposing innovative solutions. Ivanes Jenny Sogui, an agricultural engineer, highlights the integration of aquaculture and agriculture through an ecological system that optimizes resources.
“We have designed a mechanism to convert nitrates from fish waste into nutrients for plants. This reduces pollution and simultaneously improves agricultural production,” he explains.
A pending law to revive the sector
The Cameroonian government has adopted a new law aimed at boosting aquaculture and structuring the sector. This regulation should promote access to finance, support small businesses, and encourage the use of sustainable technologies.
Conclusion: an opportunity to seize
Aquaculture in Cameroon, despite its current challenges, offers enormous potential to meet food needs and create jobs. Increased investment in inputs, better dissemination of innovations and effective implementation of the new legislation could transform this sector into a pillar of the national economy.
