The private sector: a potential key element in the development of small-scale aquaculture in Africa - lessons from Madagascar
Berg, F. van den
FAO Aquaculture Newsletter 12: 14-16
1996
Document Number: 217605
The history of aquaculture in Madagascar mirrored the African experience until 1989, when a new approach was introduced involving the private sector. This approach was developed, with assistance from UNDP/FAO, in the highlands, which are good rice farming areas. The successful project was handed over to the government in 1994, following completion of the external technical assistance. Subsequent developments varied from the usual norm in Sub-Saharan Africa in that development did not collapse on cessation of external technical and financial assistance. Fish farming development is still underway with minimal government intervention. At present, rice-fish farmers buy their fish seed from local fish seed producers who also supply them with the necessary information on rice-fish farming techniques. The issue of whether the Madagascan experience could be repeated throughout Africa is discussed.