African Union designates Uganda’s NaFIRRI as Centre of Excellence for Fisheries research, training

UGANDA – The National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) has been designated by the African Union (AU) as an African Centre of Excellence for research and training in Aquaculture, Inland Capture Fisheries, and Climate Change.

The official announcement was made during the African Union’s second general assembly of the Aquaculture Network for Africa (ANAF) held in Naivasha, Kenya, between January 15 to 17, 2024.

The endorsement encompassed various aspects of research and training in aquaculture, including fish feeds, nutrition, and genetics.

The recognition positions the institute which serves under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) as a leading institution in the field and highlights its commitment to advancing fisheries research and sustainable practices.

NaFIRRI’s commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through a series of endorsements since 2018, culminating in this prestigious AU recognition.

The designation of NaFIRRI as an African Centre of Excellence follows an evaluation and subsequent recommendation at the Third Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment.

To formalize this recognition and initiate collaborative operations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the African Union and NARO-NaFIRRI in November 2020.

The collaboration focused on strengthening the capacity of African institutions for high-quality research in aquaculture, inland capture fisheries, and the impact of climate change on fisheries.

“This partnership aims to facilitate regional integration through diverse student courses, support continental and regional projects, enhance professionalism in the sector, and improve networking and complementarity among universities and research institutions in Africa.”

Key areas of cooperation include the development of human capacities, knowledge enhancement, and skill-building for effective fisheries management and aquaculture development in African Union Member States.

The collaboration extends to fostering partnerships with other selected institutions, ensuring mutual support in training, research, and capacity building.

Established in 1947 as a semi-autonomous constituent Public Agricultural Research Institute of NARO, NaFIRRI has consistently played a vital role in conducting research in aquaculture, capture fisheries, water environment, socio-economics, and marketing.

The Institute is well-regarded nationally and internationally for its contributions to inland fisheries and aquaculture research, collaborating closely with leading institutions to advance research and development in these critical fields.

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