Republic of Congo: Preparation of a technical assistance project for fish farmers

Project Background

Due to its geographical location and climate, the Republic of Congo has been identified as having significant potential for aquaculture development, particularly for inland fish farming in ponds. Tilapia (locally called "carp") and clarias ("African catfish"), two of the most important species farmed in continental fish farming worldwide, are present in the Republic of Congo and are well-known and popular among local consumers. The marketing of aquaculture products is therefore not an obstacle to the development of this industry, especially as selling prices have been high given the high demand on the national market and the scarcity of supply. Nevertheless, aquaculture production remained very limited and often focused on development projects supported by international programmes. Some private hatcheries on the outskirts of the major urban centres (Brazzaville, Pointe Noire and Dolisie) supply private fish farmers who essentially practice extensive aquaculture without inputs and therefore with low yields. However, fish is still in high demand on the Congolese market and in Pointe Noire, with prices currently averaging 5 USD/kg. Furthermore, it was found that fish plays an important role in nutrition in both rural and urban areas. The aim of the feasibility study was to assess and analyse the possibilities for developing fish farming in ponds around Pointe Noire. 

Objectives

Areas of intervention of the TA: 
A. Technical support for fish farmers (development of existing structures): 

• Tilapia and Clarias hatchery
• Model tilapia grow-out fertilization, polyculture tilapia / clarias ponds, intensive clarias pond / ponds, intensive tilapia ponds local and/or imported food
• Technical training of sector actors (private sector and governmental officers) 

B.  Fish feed and local production (mix of imports and local production)

• Analysis and elaboration of feed adapted to the local context with local ingredients if possible (trial and validation phase over 1 year). Feeding of juveniles on imported feed (also for broodstock)
• Technical training of sector actors on the basics of fish feed (private and gov), formulation, nutrition, manufacturing and economic analysis
• Practical training on the development of locally pressed feed (farm made feed)
   

Results of the preparatory phase in view of the 3 years implementation phase

• Pilot farms and hatcheries identified for demonstration and training of fish farmers. Technical validation of the latter, establishment of cooperation agreements and list of equipment needed in return for the involvement of private parties in the project. 
• Production potential assessed, precise possible objectives defined and M&E system (indicators and impacts) installed
• Value Chain Analysis conducted and potential improvements and structuring of the value chain (upstream and downstream) defined, gap analysis and proposition of intervention measures
• Analysis on available raw materials for fish feed and potential actors on site led to the elaboration of a feeding strategy.
• Elaboration and validation of a training and extension system to train active fish farmers present in the intervention area, identification of content for the training modules, implementation of practical training
• Technical support for the purchase of equipment by IECD
• Recruitment of local resources after evaluation of the situation and the proposed measures for the sector