Abstract

The Ivory Coast, which consumes vast amounts of fish, is experiencing a significant deficit: more than half the fish consumed must be imported. Food self-sufficiency is a national goal and can be reached only if production is increased. One promising technique is the use of inland lagoons to breed and stock fish. Other countries in West Africa have been using such traditional systems called acadja for breeding fish in shallow lagoons, producing fish ready for market at a reasonable cost. This project will examine the acadja fish pen, which combines the traditional Benin system with modern enclosed fish pen methods. The parameters of production, an economic evaluation and the acceptance of the system by the local population are being studied.

Post-Project Summary

The biological, managerial, economic, and social aspects of the acadjas systems of aquaculture were considered at three test sites. Villagers were involved in the construction of the acadjas and participated in the production trials as well as the socioeconomic evaluation of the systems. Bamboo worked well for the acadjas systems. It was determined that the acadjas systems were feasible, at least technically, for the test regions. However, it was suggested that cooperative arrangements for the operation and maintenance of the systems would be most appropriate as the technology was not affordable for the average rural family working independently. Several systems of acadjas aquaculture were found throughout Africa and Asia through the course of the project. Researchers from several of these countries came together at two IDRC Aquaculture in Africa workshops and at an Acadjas Round Table to discuss their experiences and contrast them to other methods of aquaculture. The project leader visited Egypt and Cameroon to discuss possible extension of the project to these countries. Initial indications were positive for future extension. It was noted that the project was an excellent example of the use of traditional knowledge and aquatic resource management practices.

Recipient Institution(s)