Cameroon is ramping up efforts to strengthen its aquaculture industry through an €84 million programme financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enhance domestic fish production, reduce import dependence, and stimulate rural economies.
The Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP), led by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, is introducing an improved strain of African catfish (clarias) developed by the Agricultural Research Institute for Development. The new breed is designed for higher efficiency: it grows to 350–500 grammes in five to six months compared to up to nine months for earlier varieties, while survival rates have climbed to 80–85%, up from 60%.
Since the pre-extension phase began in October 2024, 50 hatcheries have received 2,600 broodstock and produced over 115,000 fry for farming. “The support given by the project is encouraging us to go further. We have real motivation to continue what we’ve started,” said Fanta Njifondjou Oumarou, a fish farmer from Limbé.
Beyond genetic improvements, PD-CVEP includes capacity building for 280 farmers across Cameroon, focusing on hatchery operations, cage farming, feed management, and agribusiness practices. The strategic goal is to raise national fish production by 10,000 tons annually by 2027, improving food security and cutting reliance on imports.
To achieve this, an AfDB review mission in April recommended accelerating broodstock supply. A total of 15,000 broodstock — 12,000 clarias and 3,000 tilapia — will be distributed under an agreement with the research institute. Monitoring will be supported by digital reporting and quarterly performance reviews to ensure traceability and quality control.
Demand-side dynamics are also shifting. Restaurants and traders in cities such as Douala report improved consumer preference for fish produced from the new strain. “The flesh stays firm after grilling and tastes better. Customers love it, and my income has grown,” said fish vendor Moukoudi Mbappé Dolie.
The project is also addressing bottlenecks in market infrastructure. Planned upgrades at key markets, including Deïdo and Dakar in Douala, will provide modern facilities such as hygienic counters, water supply, and ice storage.
Officials stress the programme’s long-term impact on rural economies and sector competitiveness. “We will provide close support to hatcheries to ensure quality and traceability. This project is crucial for the future of aquaculture,” said Victor Viban Banah, regional delegate of the Livestock Ministry.
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