The FAO Sub-Regional Office in Gabon, in partnership with the Gabonese government, organized a three-day seminar on the formulation and manufacture of extruded fish feed, aiming to strengthen the development of commercial aquaculture in the country. This initiative built on the achievements of the technical cooperation project TCP/GAB/3803, which focused on improving the availability of quality basic inputs, such as feed and seeds, and enhancing the skills of fish farmers involved in commercial aquaculture.
The seminar included practical training for fish farmers from Estuaire, Haut-Ogooué, and Woleu-Ntem, as well as researchers and staff from the Ministry of the Sea, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy. Participants were trained in the formulation and production of floating fish feed, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to improve productivity and sustainability in their farms.
During the event, FAO handed over aquaculture kits and equipment to beneficiaries, including motor pumps, brush cutters, and operating kits. The seminar also featured the inauguration of a high-performance extruded fish feed production line at the Fish Feed Nutrition Unit (CENAPO) and an experimental aquaculture research and development unit at the Institute of Agronomic and Forestry Research (IRAF).
These initiatives provide critical tools for the local production of quality fish feed and for applied research aimed at enhancing farm performance and sector sustainability. The project also facilitated the acquisition and distribution of improved high-performing Tilapia (YY) broodstock to IRAF and fish farmers specializing in fry production, increasing the availability of quality fry and supporting the genetic improvement of national aquaculture stocks.
Through these actions, FAO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Gabon in overcoming key constraints in commercial aquaculture, including the limited availability of high-performing fingerlings, quality feed, and structured technical services. Despite favorable natural conditions, including a dense hydrographic network of rivers, lakes, lagoons, and floodplains covering over 10,000 km², Gabon’s annual aquaculture production remains low at approximately 45 tonnes, far below the national demand of nearly 35 kg of fish per capita. Production currently relies on Nile tilapia and African catfish, mainly in small, artisanal ponds.
Thanks to these new initiatives, Gabon has strengthened capacities and modernized infrastructure, laying a solid foundation to address the sector’s main challenges. These developments represent a significant step toward sustainable and efficient commercial aquaculture, contributing to food security and the country’s economic growth.
