Health
Africa risks lower fish consumption despite growth — Report
By Dare Akogun
Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a historic high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, underscoring the growing role of aquatic foods in feeding the world’s population, even as Africa faces persistent challenges in access, production and sustainability.
This was disclosed in the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report launched on Tuesday by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation at the ongoing Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
Presenting the report at a side event organised by the organisation, FAO Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Manuel Barange, said the sector continues to expand rapidly but warned that sustainable and equitable growth remains a major global challenge.
According to the report, aquatic animal production reached 195 million tonnes in 2024, growing steadily at an average annual rate of 3.2 per cent since 1950. About 89 per cent of the production is destined for human consumption, while average per capita availability now exceeds 21 kilogrammes annually.
The report noted that aquatic food systems employed about 65 million people globally in 2024, playing critical roles in rural economies and coastal communities. Women account for 27 per cent of employment in primary production and 56 per cent in processing activities.
However, despite rising global production, benefits remain unevenly distributed. FAO warned that while global availability of aquatic foods continues to outpace population growth, per capita access in several regions, particularly Africa, remains significantly below the global average.
For Nigeria and other African countries pursuing blue economy initiatives, the findings present both opportunities and concerns. Aquatic foods contribute approximately 19 per cent of animal protein availability in Africa, making them among the continent’s most important and affordable sources of nutrition.
Yet FAO projects that although Africa is expected to record the highest growth rate in aquatic food availability, estimated at 18 per cent by 2034, rapid population growth may still result in declining per capita consumption.
“Aquatic foods make an ever-increasing critical contribution to human nutrition, providing essential micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality proteins that support healthy diets,” the report stated.
The report identified aquaculture as the principal driver of growth in aquatic food systems globally. World aquaculture production reached a record 142 million tonnes in 2024, including 103 million tonnes of aquatic animals, accounting for 53 per cent of total global aquatic animal output and more than 59 per cent of aquatic foods consumed by humans.
Despite possessing significant untapped potential, Africa continues to lag in aquaculture production due to inadequate investment, weak infrastructure and limited technical capacity.
FAO said scaling up aquaculture expansion and intensification through targeted policies, technical support and investments would be critical to strengthening food security across the continent. “Low-income countries, particularly in Africa, remain constrained despite significant potential for development,” the report noted.
The organisation urged governments to align expansion with the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture to minimise social, economic and environmental impacts. While aquaculture continues to grow, capture fisheries production has remained relatively stable.
Global capture fisheries yielded 92 million tonnes in 2024, maintaining levels recorded since the late 1980s. Marine capture fisheries accounted for about 80 million tonnes, representing 41 per cent of total aquatic animal production. However, concerns persist over the sustainability of marine fish stocks.
The report revealed that only 62.4 per cent of the world’s marine fishery stocks were fished within biologically sustainable levels in 2023, down from 64.5 per cent in 2021. FAO attributed the decline to both methodological adjustments and worsening sustainability in some regions.
Nevertheless, 72.6 per cent of landings from assessed fish stocks were estimated to originate from sustainably managed fisheries, suggesting that larger and more productive fisheries tend to be better regulated.
The report stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of ensuring 100 per cent of fish stocks remain within biologically sustainable levels remains highly challenging, especially in regions with weak management systems.
It called for improved data collection, scientific assessments and stronger governance frameworks to sustain fishery resources. Global trade in aquatic products also continued its upward trajectory. In 2024, international trade in aquatic products reached $186bn, involving 230 countries and territories.
Aquatic trade now accounts for nine per cent of total agricultural trade globally and about one per cent of total merchandise trade. Approximately 36 per cent of global aquatic animal production was traded internationally, highlighting the increasing integration of aquatic food systems into global markets.
Interestingly, Africa recorded a negative trade balance in volume of about one million tonnes but posted a positive trade balance of $2bn in economic value. FAO explained that African countries export high-value aquatic commodities while importing nutrient-rich products of lower economic value, resulting in gains in protein availability.
Looking ahead, FAO projects total aquatic animal production to reach 214 million tonnes by 2034, driven mainly by continued expansion in aquaculture. Aquaculture output alone is expected to rise to 119 million tonnes, while capture fisheries could recover to about 95 million tonnes through improved management and reduced losses.
More than 90 per cent of future production is projected to be available for human consumption, with global per capita availability expected to rise to 21.9 kilogrammes.
However, FAO warned that growth without equity and sustainability could deepen existing inequalities. The organisation emphasised that investments, innovation and strong governance would determine whether aquatic food systems become a stronger driver of food security, livelihoods and sustainable development.
“Without sufficient progress in these areas, growth will outpace equity and sustainability,” the report warned.
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