IGAD calls for concerted efforts to exploit fish resources to ensure food security in East Africa

Addis Ababa, March 24, 2023 (FBC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) called for concerted efforts to ensure food security by tapping the fish resources in East Africa on a large scale.

An IGAD consultation forum, focusing on the possibility of utilizing the potential of developing fish resources in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region, was held in Addis Ababa.

In the forum, it was stated that efforts should be made to ensure food security through the large scale utilization of fish resources in East Africa.

Sunil Sveniri, the technical coordinator of “Eco Fish” which works in the development of fish resources in East and South Africa and the Indian Ocean region, pointed out that there are fish resources worth 50 billion euros in the region.

It is possible to ensure economic benefits by supporting and developing the resources with technology for domestic use and by bringing high foreign exchange gains by exporting, he mentioned.

IGAD’s Blue Economy and Fisheries Senior Expert, Wassie, said that an additional way to ensure food security should be made by using the fish resources in East Africa on a large scale.

Girma Mulugeta, State Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, who was present at the forum, stated that Ethiopia is working to ensure its benefits by developing its resources in the fish sector.

Taking into account the water resources of Ethiopia, efforts are being made to bring different fish species from other areas to benefit from the development of fish resources, he said.