27/01/2021
Case study: The potential of aquaculture to create jobs, improve food security and boost economies in Africa..
__What do YOU see?
I want to share a comment I received today from someone who’s dedicated most of his life to the aquaculture industry and sector in Africa where he's worked about 35 years, he wrote. At first I understood his comment that Africa is "failing to invest in aquaculture as an industry with potential to employ millions, improve food security, and build economies", as written by someone who was pointing out a problem without yet trying to find a solution himself…
Well, I was mistaken! A big to aquaculture entrepreneur David Fincham and the work he does across Africa to try to grow the aquaculture industry.
***
David wrote in response to my reply (edited):
"I have developed a system for small scale farmers and deployed 450 of these Aquaculture Production Units (APU's) to 9 African Countries. We train and skill small scale farmers many of whom sadly cannot access the funding required to set up farming operations.
Please see our latest article in the media. "Tilapia farming: Untapped SA market holds opportunity for growth" in Farmer's Weekly
https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/aquaculture/tilapia-farming-untapped-sa-market-holds-opportunity-for-growth/
I am a fan, supporter of the work you have done and are doing for the continent. I mention you when I engage with entrepreneurs and farmers.
We engage with the City of Johannesburg, the University of Johannesburg and the African Leadership Academy.
..We have worked in 9 African countries sowing the seeds which will grow the sector. Up to now we have been self funded, survived the Eskom issues and lockdowns. We are currently preparing a pitch to raise funding to build a nucleus farm, training center, commercial hatchery and processing facility.
This will make us the single largest operation in South Africa and in SADC. Over 10 years 1000 small scale farmers will be brought into our Aggregator farming program in Gauteng alone. This model will be the one we will deploy in a number of African Countries over the next decade…
We are still as you were a one man band, but with a huge vision and mission to make fresh fish available to every city in Africa. We will start this by developing one farmer at a time until we have the critical mass to lay a foundation for the future”...
***
Wow. There are lessons to be learned here for our young entrepreneurs and for me, too. Thanks to David for his work and words. Local farming across Africa of healthy affordable high protein food is critical now and going forward. Entrepreneurs on this platform, what do you think?
Let's talk.
End.
Image credit: https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/aquaculture/tilapia-farming-untapped-sa-market-holds-opportunity-for-growth/
