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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 20, No. 6, 2020, pp. 16689-16702
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Bioline Code: nd20100
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 20, No. 6, 2020, pp. 16689-16702
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CHALLENGES FACING EMERGING AQUACULTURE ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Madibana, MJ; Fouché, CH & Mnisi, CM
Abstract
Despite aquaculture being hailed as the fastest growing farming sector in the world,
South African aquaculture is still lagging behind. This article aims to highlight
challenges (mostly beyond their control) that South Africa’s emerging aquaculture
entrepreneurs have to endure in order to find a breakthrough into the industry.
Availability of necessary resources such as land, water, infrastructure, financial support
and access to markets, as well as crime are among challenges faced by these
entrepreneurs on a daily basis. Limited human resources in capacity building, skills and
aquaculture expertise also hinders the development and expansion of aquaculture in
South Africa. Complex legislation governing aquaculture further limits the development
of this sector to prospective investors. Fish and machinery theft in fish farms has an
adverse effect, which had resulted in many enterprises closing down in recent years. South Africa is not a traditional fish-eating nation and this phenomenon has seen many
emerging entrepreneurs struggling to locally commercialize their produce. It is well
known that fish consumption provides human nutrition with essential nutrients necessary
for normal body function. Thus, aquaculture has the potential to contribute to food and
nutrition security and alleviate poverty in rural communities. However, plenty of
initiatives need to be developed by government and the private sector to develop a
sustainable aquaculture industry. These initiatives should involve the establishment of
an aquaculture friendly legislation that would support emerging aquaculture
entrepreneurs. Several financial institutions view aquaculture as a high-risk business, and
as a consequence, decline financial support or loan requests from emerging farmers. Focused research as a strategic initiative to develop aquaculture species that would be
first priority for local markets is encouraged. This article explores the challenges facing
emerging entrepreneurs and suggests possible solutions that might assist in the
development of the aquaculture sector in South Africa. We postulate that constructive
and regular engagements between the government and private sector is a key to a
sustainable and prosperous aquaculture sector in South Africa.
Keywords
young entrepreneurs; infrastructure; legislation; finance; land; aquaculture; theft; South Africa
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