World Aquaculture 2023

May 29 - June 1, 2023

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR SMALLHOLDER AQUACULTURE LIVELIHOODS

Michael Phillips* and Christine Maxwell

 

FUTUREFISH Company Limited

11 St James’s Place, London, UK

michael@futurefish.org

 



Aquaculture is growing fast, with significant innovation and investment across the sector that responds to growing market demand for fish and other aquatic foods. Innovations and investments are being made throughout the whole aquaculture system globally – from production systems through to the supply chains that deliver food from farm to plate. Aquaculture is increasingly being recognized for its potential contribution to healthy and sustainable food systems and economic development and as a low-carbon food production system. Yet, innovations and investments in aquaculture are applied unevenly, often used for higher-value commodities, and investments are not always reaching where they are needed. Crucial parts of the aquaculture ecosystem are not receiving attention – millions of small-scale actors - farmers, traders and consumers - across Africa and Asia lack access to the opportunities that aquaculture could provide for decent work, good health, and sustainably produced food. FUTUREFISH is a new aquaculture company that specialises in working with partners to develop and apply business solutions for small-scale actors in aquaculture, with a geographical focus on the Asia-Pacific and African regions. The presentation will provide early insights from our work with women entrepreneurs and small-scale fish farmers in Africa and Asia and the opportunities these insights are opening for new aquaculture business approaches that are inclusive and supportive of innovation and investment focussed on smallholder livelihoods.