Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam to increase daily fish production – Ministry of Agriculture

ETHIOPIA – Fish harvesting at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is gaining momentum, with daily production now exceeding 14,000 kg, according to government officials.

The dam has created a new opportunity for Ethiopia’s fisheries sector, which has long struggled with underutilization despite significant potential.

Fasil Dawit, who heads the Fisheries Development Desk at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, said the country’s fish resources remain largely untapped due to several challenges.

Efforts are underway to address these obstacles at a national level, with a focus on increasing production and maximizing economic benefits from the sector.

Fish harvesting at GERD is progressing, with the dam playing a central role in expanding Ethiopia’s fisheries industry.

According to recent data, daily fish production at GERD now surpasses 14,500 kg, as high-demand species are caught in large numbers.

Private investors and young people are actively engaged in fish production at the dam, which contributes to local food security and economic growth.

GERD hosts various fish species, including the Nile Perch and ‘Korosso,’ a popular fish that is widely traded.

Authorities expect the fisheries potential at GERD to surpass that of other water bodies across the country.

Expanding Fisheries and Employment Opportunities

Beyond production, the sector is creating employment as initiatives to increase fish farming continue.

Programs to distribute fish fingerlings, expand fish farming in underutilized water bodies, and raise awareness about the benefits of fish consumption are in progress.

Bushen Fufa, a fisheries expert at the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Agriculture Bureau, said fish production at GERD is contributing to both regional and national economic development.

So far, 64 fisheries associations have been formed, with 23 already operational and providing employment.

Around 1,600 young people have joined these groups, and more are expected to find work as additional associations become fully functional.

Efforts are ongoing to integrate the remaining associations into active fish production, further strengthening the industry.

Ethiopia’s Low Fish Consumption Compared to Potential

Ethiopia’s total annual fish production from its water bodies is estimated at approximately 94,500 tons, though the actual harvest is far lower.

Currently, fish production stands at about 38,370 tons per year, reflecting a significant gap between potential yield and actual output.

Despite an estimated 51,481 tons of fish being produced annually, per capita fish consumption in Ethiopia remains below 0.5 kg.

This is significantly lower than the recommended intake of 12 to 17 kg per person per year.

In contrast, Ethiopians consume an average of 10 kg of meat per year, indicating a preference for meat over fish in local diets.

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