Experts Call for Stronger Media, Research Partnership to Boost Aquaculture

Experts have called for closer collaboration between the media and academic institutions to promote research-driven innovations in aquaculture and agro-waste management aimed at improving food security and creating jobs.

The call was made during a training programme organised by the Nkabom Collaborative of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Koforidua for about 50 journalists. Project Lead for Aquaculture Technology, Dr Christian Larbi Ayisi, said stronger cooperation would help make research findings more accessible to the public and support informed policy decisions.

The experts said aquaculture can help meet Ghana's growing demand for animal protein, while improved agro-waste management can reduce post-harvest losses and create employment opportunities. They also encouraged investment in technologies that convert agricultural waste into products such as livestock feed, fish feed, briquettes, biochar and biogas.

Professor Richard Amfo-Otu said Ghana loses more than 40 per cent of its agricultural produce after harvest and urged government, development partners and the private sector to invest in practical solutions. He added that the Nkabom Collaborative aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for 55,000 Ghanaian youth, particularly women and other vulnerable groups, through training in aquaculture, agro-waste management and entrepreneurship.