MWANZA: THE Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) is taking strategic steps to increase fish production in the country, aiming to significantly raise per capita fish consumption, which is currently just one-third of the global average.
Currently, Tanzanians consume an average of only six to seven kilograms of fish per person annually, which is considerably lower than the global average of 20kg.
The discrepancy has spurred TADB’s focus on the fishery sector, as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable growth, improve nutrition and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.
The TADB Zonal Manager for the Eastern Zone, Michael Madundo, said over the weekend after visiting the TanLapia farm in Bagamoyo, Coast Region, that the fish demand gap in the country is estimated at around 300,000 tonnes per year, as per the WorldFish 2021 report.
“We at TADB are proud of this project, as it aligns with the government’s goals of enhancing food security.
“Currently, the project produces around 35 tonnes of fish per month,” said Mr Madundo.
TanLapia is an aquaculture company that deals with tilapia production using the In-Pond Raceways System (IPRS), which simulates a natural river environment, producing healthy and nutritious fish.
TanLapia Chief Executive Officer, Mahimbo Mdoe said the loan enabled them to improve various infrastructures, such as electricity to cover the entire in the 650-hectare farm and buying some machines, like a tractor.
“We expect to increase our fish output to 100 tonnes per month by next June,” he said.
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Additionally, the fish farm has created employment for 116 locals most are resident of Bagamoyo.
TanLapia Production Manager, Farida Buzohera, said they currently producing some 35 tonnes per month, equals to 400 tonnes annually.
“Prior to receiving funding from TADB, our production was modest, averaging only five tonnes per month,” she said.
TanLapia is a domestic aquaculture company specialising in fish farming, particularly focusing on the production of tilapia.
The company is known for its role in the growing aquaculture sector in Tanzania, which aims to address the country’s increasing demand for fish and improve food security
