Norway Commits $5 Million to Boost Small Aquaculture Farmers in Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania

Strategic Insights -

As more people struggle with hunger and poverty due to pandemic restrictions, climate change, and conflicts, the Norwegian Agency of Development Cooperation (NORAD) has committed a significant sum to boost the incomes and resilience of small aquaculture farmers in Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. This generous contribution is part of the International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) Advancing Resilient and Nutrition-sensitive Smallholder Aquaculture (ARNSA) Project. The project aims to support approximately 3,000 smallholders and make healthy fish products available to at least 100,000 people. Norway's support will specifically focus on improving access to quality and affordable farm inputs, strengthening farmers' technical skills, and addressing post-harvest losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Norway has committed NOK 45 million (US$5 million) to the IFAD's ARNSA Project to support small aquaculture farmers in Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
  • The project will pilot and scale-up climate-resilient and nutrition-focused aquaculture technologies and approaches, targeting approximately 3,000 smallholders.
  • The project aims to make increased quantity and quality fish products available to at least 100,000 people, primarily through the improvement of access to quality and affordable farm inputs.
  • Norway's contribution will focus mainly on inland aquaculture, with attention given also to seaweed value chains in Tanzania.
  • Today, small-scale aquaculture farmers provide over 80 percent of the global aquaculture production, with roughly 20 million people engaged in full or part-time aquaculture worldwide.
  • The sector holds significant potential for growth, better incomes for producers, and employment opportunities, especially for women.
  • Fish and aquatic foods are essential for combating malnutrition and alleviating nutritional deficiencies, with globally 222 million children under the age of five suffering from malnutrition and 571 million girls and women aged 15-49 years suffering from anemia.
  • Norway has pledged a 40% increase in funding to the IFAD's 2022-2024 funding cycle, amounting to NOK 508 million (US$53.46 million).

Statistics:

  • Norway has committed NOK 45 million (US$5 million) to the IFAD's ARNSA Project.
  • The project targets approximately 3,000 smallholders in Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
  • Roughly 20 million people are engaged in full or part-time aquaculture worldwide.
  • Small-scale aquaculture farmers provide over 80 percent of the global aquaculture production.
  • Globally, 222 million children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition.
  • 571 million girls and women aged 15-49 years suffer from anemia.
  • Norway has pledged NOK 508 million (US$53.46 million) to the IFAD's 2022-2024 funding cycle, a 40% increase from the previous cycle.

Sources:

  • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • Norwegian Agency of Development Cooperation (NORAD)
  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)