TOGO – The government of Togo is planning to allocate 50% of the budget of the Ministry of Maritime Economy (about US$1.7 million) to the fishing sector.
With these resources, the Aquaculture Development Project of Togo (PDAT) should continue as it is currently in its pilot phase in Lake Nangbéto.
The financial support is timely as the fishing sector employs more than 20,000 people and contributes 4.5% of the GDP.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries led by Edem Kokou Tengue has committed to supporting fish farmers with the installation of floating cages and fingerlings and the organisation of training sessions on aquaculture techniques through the PDAT project.
Stakeholders in the fishing sector particularly those in the fishing port of Lomé will also benefit from this project which aims to help increase fish production in the port.
“With reference to the 2022-2025 roadmap, meeting fisheries needs remains a priority. We are working to create the conditions to develop national production in order to meet local demand,” Minister Tengue said recently.
PDAT was deployed in Lake Nangbéto and FCFA380 million (US$618,901) has already been spent to provide fish farmers with the equipment they need to fish for tilapia among other uses.
Up till April 2022, this investment has helped produce nearly 30 tons of tilapia for the local market.
The Togo fishing sector has been growing according to a recent report published by the Togolese Ministry of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal protection.
Domestic aquaculture production is reported to have increased to 6,687,015 kg, a 50% increase from 4,129,423 kg in 2021.
This growth is attributed to a number of factors but one of the most significant developments towards enhancing the fishing sector was the opening of the fishing port in Lomé along with its own fish market.
The construction of the port cost FCFA20 billion (US$33,009) and was built through an alliance between the government of Togo and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The port has a capacity of 3,000 fishermen, 300-400 canoes, and 5,000 wholesalers and fish processors. It is also equipped with infrastructure for the landing, storage, and sale of fish and fish products.
As a result, 4000 tonnes of fish were caught from the port alone in 2021. In detail, the port recorded its biggest catches in July (511 tons), November (465), and June (430), while March and February recorded the lowest numbers, 166 and 191 tons respectively.
For all the latest food industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
