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Story Written By: Darlington Porkpa/[email protected]/+231770127075
In a bid to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices, a passionate agriculturalist is advocating for increased support and investment in inland fish farming initiatives across Liberia
Ezekiel Kennedy believes inland fish farming represents a viable solution to the pressing issues of food insecurity and malnutrition in Liberia. He asserted during a recent interview on agricultural innovation. “By harnessing the vast water resources available in our inland areas, we can cultivate a diverse range of fish species that not only provide essential nutrients but also generate income for local communities,” Kennedy emphasized.
He indicated, that Liberia endowed with abundant rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, holds immense promise for the expansion of inland fish farming ventures. However, despite its potential, the sector has remained largely underdeveloped due to a combination of factors, including limited technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient investment.
The aquaculture practitioner underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of inland fish farming as a driver of rural development and poverty alleviation.
“We must prioritize investments in infrastructure, research, and capacity building to empower small-scale fish farmers and enhance their productivity,” Kennedy emphasized. “This requires targeted policies, financial incentives, and technical assistance tailored to the needs of inland fishing communities.” Additionally, he mentioned there is a need for greater collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge sharing in the sector.
In addition to its contributions to food security and economic growth, inland fish farming offers numerous environmental benefits, including the restoration of degraded ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. He pointed out that promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and integrated fish-farming systems will ensure the long-term viability of inland fisheries while preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Despite its potential, aquaculture in Liberia faces numerous challenges, including limited infrastructure, lack of access to modern farming techniques, and inadequate government support. Kennedy emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address these barriers and unlock the full potential of the aquaculture sector.
As Liberia looks to diversify its economy and strengthen food security in the face of evolving challenges, individuals like Ezekiel Kennedy serve as beacons of hope, inspiring a new generation of agriculturalists to pursue innovative solutions for a brighter future.
Ezekiel Kennedy is an experienced aquaculture extension officer who has over the last few years supported smallholder farmers involved in inland fish farming through practical knowledge dissemination and innovative solutions for sustainable livelihood.
Kennedy’s journey began with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) in Liberia, where his skills were as an aquaculture extension technician, providing invaluable technical assistance to fish farmers across the nation. He most recently served as an Aquaculture Extension Trainer for APDRA/CATALYST, contributing to the implementation of the FishLib project in Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties from 2020 to 2023. This project helped empower more than 200 local fish farmers and fostered sustainable aquaculture practices.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture complemented by three international certificates in Aquaculture earned in Ghana and Egypt respectively.
