Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By LAENJNET Senior Reporter
The Liberia Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Federation (LAIFF) successfully concluded a one-day consultative meeting with fish farmers in Gbarnga, Bong County. The meeting aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the sector, and to strategize on ways to improve productivity and sustainability.
Held at the Gbarnga Administrative Building, the event brought together fish farmers, local authorities, and representatives from various stakeholders in the aquaculture and fisheries sector who were selected from Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties. LAIFF President, Madam Estelle Liberty, underscored the urgency for Liberian farmers to embrace fish farming. She highlighted the potential of local fish production to reduce the country’s reliance on imported frozen fish.
Madam Liberty further emphasized the need for fish farmers to work collectively and ensure that Liberia becomes food-sufficient in fish production, urging farmers to intensify their efforts in this vital sector.
During the meeting, participants highlighted several key issues affecting their operations, including access to quality feed, technical training, and market access. The farmers also expressed the need for more government support in terms of policy and infrastructure development.
Experts from the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) provided valuable insights on best practices in fish farming, including pond management, disease control, and feed optimization. They also discussed the potential of aquaculture to contribute to food security and economic growth in Liberia.
The Head of Livestock, Aquaculture, and Inland Fisheries at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) Dr. Mendela Klon Yan Henneh assured participants of the institution’s commitment to supporting local fish farming cooperatives. He reiterated CARI’s role in promoting the government’s Agricultural Resilience and Economic Stability Transformation (ARREST) Agenda, which aims to foster agricultural productivity and food security in Liberia.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. Zizi A.S. Kpadeh emphasized the importance of adopting innovative fish farming techniques in post-war Liberia. He encouraged farmers to engage actively in fast-striking fish farming, which could significantly enhance local production and sustainability.
The consultative meeting is part of LAIFF’s ongoing efforts to engage with fish farmers across the country, gather feedback, and develop targeted interventions to address the sector’s challenges. Moving forward, LAIFF plans to organize similar meetings in other regions and to work closely with the government and international partners to support the development of the aquaculture and fisheries industry in Liberia.
This initiative is seen as a critical step towards boosting local fish production, reducing reliance on imported fish, and improving the livelihoods of fish farmers in Liberia.
Stakeholders expressed optimism about the future of aquaculture in Liberia, envisioning a robust industry that can meet the nation’s fish demands and contribute to the overall economic stability of the country.
