Aquaculture farmers advised to insure against climate risks

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Aquaculture farmers have been advised to take up insurance cover to sustain production amid rising climate-related risks, such as floods that wash away fish stock.

The call was made by Patrick Karani, a technical expert on climate change and the environment from the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources.

Speaking in an interview on June 27, 2025, Karani stressed that unpredictable climate patterns, particularly heavy rains and flooding, are affecting fish farmers across the region.

He said that such climate-related events should be anticipated in planning aquaculture infrastructure and operations, and insurance could serve as a long-term buffer against these risks.

“Challenges associated with climate change need strategies like insurance to help when an eventuality or disaster like heavier rains washes away fish ponds. These can easily compensate a farmer so he can recover his capital and start afresh,” Karani said.

He also urged farmers to utilise weather updates for better planning and resilience. Karani made these remarks while addressing participants on climate-related issues during the just-concluded World Aquaculture Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

His advice follows recent incidents where fish ponds and cages in various regions have been destroyed by rising water levels due to heavy rainfall.

Dr Bernice Mclean, speaking on behalf of the African Union Development Agency, noted that fisheries and aquaculture remain vital for food security and nutrition across the continent.

“Fisheries and aquaculture provide a critical source of food security and nutrition for over 200 million African people,” she said.

“Aquatic animal foods contribute an estimated 18% of all animal protein consumed across Africa, yet per capita consumption of aquatic or blue foods remains the lowest in the world.

“Africa cannot afford to let this potential remain underutilised. With demand for blue foods growing, sustainable aquaculture offers a pathway to close the nutrition gap, reduce imports, and empower communities.”

According to Uganda’s fisheries minister Hellen Adoa, the World Aquaculture Conference is the largest global gathering of stakeholders in the aquaculture sector, drawing participants from over 100 countries.

Adoa said the event is an opportunity to showcase Africa’s growing aquaculture sector.

“It is a platform for Africa’s Aquaculture momentum, enabling us to showcase Africa-led research, innovation, ambition and commercial opportunities. It also provides a global platform to link African farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers with international networks,” she said.

She added that the conference aligns with regional and continental policy frameworks under the EAC, IGAD, COMESA, and AU, aimed at advancing a sustainable blue economy, promoting gender and youth inclusion, and fostering regional trade in aquaculture.

Experts at the conference also pointed out key challenges hampering aquaculture investment, including a shortage of specialised veterinary personnel for fish and other edible aquatic animals.

The conference was organised by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), in partnership with the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation, the East African Community, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and others.