Challenges

The sustainable development of aquaculture could provide a real alternative for food production and a partial substitute for products derived exclusively from fisheries. In the long run, this will lead to more sustainable fishing.

The coasts of Mozambique and Angola are well suited to developing aquaculture projects for molluscs and macroalgae, as well as fish. In addition to providing an alternative source of food for domestic consumption and export revenue, mollusc farming and seaweed cultivation also provide an excellent opportunity to create jobs and limit the exploitation of fishing resources, which contributes to their sustainability.

Given the coastal characteristics, existing markets and export objectives of Mozambique and Angola, as well as the product and by-product values, the development of marine aquaculture will occur mainly through the cultivation of molluscs and macroalgae. Large-scale farming of saltwater fish will be employed in the future.

Mozambique and Angola are therefore seeking technical solutions to develop aquaculture and diversify the species cultivated and the production systems adopted.

Toward a Solution

This project resulted from a scientific mission in late-2016, during which representatives from the Universidad Católica del Norte [Catholic University of the North] in Chile travelled to Mozambique for a week of training at the National Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. The initiative also stemmed from discussions with authorities from Mozambique during a visit to Chile in April 2016, in which areas for sectoral cooperation between Santiago and Maputo were identified. At that time, aquaculture was prioritized.

On 19 May 2016, the Agencia Chilena de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo [Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development] (AGCID) and the Camões Institute for Cooperation and Language of Portugal signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of triangular cooperation projects. Portugal provided technical assistance, in the form of two trainers, to an intensive aquaculture module entitled ‘International Course on Sustainable Aquaculture in Molluscs and Macroalgae in Africa’, which was offered to officials from the Ministries of Fisheries in Mozambique and Angola, as well as other experts. It was held at the Universidad Católica del Norte, in Coquimbo, Chile.

The international course focused on promoting sustainable aquaculture in Africa as a real alternative for food production and an opportunity to create jobs and limit the exploitation of fishery resources. The goal of the course was to train professional and technical personnel in the cultivation of molluscs and macroalgae at all stages, in order to improve the planning, execution and implementation of new government or community projects in that connection.

Chile hosted the course at the Universidad Católica del Norte for trainees from Mozambique and Angola. AGCID provided financial support, and the Camões Institute provided two trainers.

The Portuguese trainers were selected from the private sector, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Sea of Portugal. They were able to share their experience in the field of aquaculture and strengthen technical and scientific ties with Angola, Chile and Mozambique.

Under this project, triangular cooperation allowed for a broader partnership with other development actors, such as the Portuguese private sector, to share expertise with public officials from Angola and Mozambique. This project forged partnerships that went beyond the traditional North-South approach.

The project’s training contributions have had a multiplier effect in the beneficiary countries, as they created synergies among sectoral institutions, academia and cooperation agencies. The project helped to share expertise and allowed for mutual learning, with significant benefits for all parties involved. It also built trust between the parties, which is important for establishing new partnerships.

The project was tailored to the context and target beneficiaries, since Angola, Mozambique and Portugal share a language and other cultural aspects.

This project improved ownership and leadership by partner countries, which benefited from an effective division of responsibilities. It brought together experts from three continents and from the private sector to share their unique knowledge. The course also employed a context-specific approach, tailoring interventions to the country’s specific needs, wherever possible, in an effort to adapt European and South American expertise to African contexts.