Despite their vast water resources, Ghana and Nigeria import most of their fish, with demand outstripping supply. Local fish numbers are depleting due to overfishing and a lack of regulation. With many communities dependent on fishing as a source of income and food, less fish can have drastic knock-on effects, including reduced food security.

But there is a solution to meet growing demand. Cage aquaculture involves raising fish inside mesh enclosures in natural water bodies. This way of farming fish is more accessible since there is no need to procure land and farmers can use public waters. Cage aquaculture also has a lower carbon impact as it does not need expensive and energy-intensive water pumps.

Scaling up a new way of fishing

The Promoting Sustainable Cage Aquaculture in West Africa (PROSCAWA) project helps small-scale fishers in Ghana and Nigeria get started with this greener, cheaper method of fish farming. The project is funded by the China-IFAD South-South and Triangulation Cooperation Facility and supported by World Fish, a research institute dedicated to transforming aquatic food systems

Through workshops, field visits, and training, fishers learn the skills needed to set up cage aquaculture operations. World Fish then connects them with partners from the Global South and China who specialize in aquaculture products, making it easier for the fishers to acquire cages and other materials while building business partnerships.