Possibilities for aquacultural development in sub Sahara Africa: Locally produced fish feed

Abstract

Aquaculture development and growth in Africa have been on low ebb despite the vast aquatic resources 
that abounds on the continent. Since the introduction of aquaculture to Africa, some decades ago, there 
have been a lot of innovations, technological advancement and progress in the areas of genetics, seed 
propagation, pond construction and farm management in general. Despite breakthroughs recorded in 
these areas most farmers in Africa still rely heavily on imported feed ingredients and fish feeds from 
European countries, which makes fish farming expensive as fish feed account for at least 60% of the 
total cost of production. This has contributed in no small measure to the slow pace at which aqua
culture is advancing in Africa. This article, however reviewed critically the potentials of locally manufac
tured fish feed in enhancing, improving and sustaining aquaculture development in Africa. Various 
methods of processing employed were discussed and suggestions were made on how aquaculture 
growth can reach its maximum potential in the production of fish through utilization of locally available 
fish feed ingredients.