Fisheries & Aquaculture Value Chains
Aquaculture, which involves raising aquatic species like fish, shellfish, and plants along with managing inland and coastal fisheries, has become the leading factor driving global increases in fish production
Aquaculture, which involves raising aquatic species like fish, shellfish, and plants along with managing inland and coastal fisheries, has become the leading factor driving global increases in fish production. It plays a crucial role in integrated agricultural development by providing sustainable ways to improve food security, create jobs, and support rural communities. By incorporating aquaculture into traditional farming systems—such as combining fish farming with rice cultivation—farmers can make more efficient use of resources, boost overall output, and diversify their income streams. This approach often results in less pesticide use for rice crops. In rainfed rural areas, landscape depressions offer unique chances for early season fish seed farming and later wild fish harvesting and storage, helping farmers earn extra money when fishing is typically not possible.
From a policy standpoint, promoting aquaculture within rural economies unlocks various advantages. More than 75% of world aquaculture production comes from low-income countries, mainly in Asia, and engaging local communities through participatory management helps ensure operations remain sustainable. Women's groups have notably excelled in running aquaculture projects. Near coastal zones, NIRAS encourages practices such as mangrove reforestation and pond-dyke cropping systems. These efforts aim to conserve key habitats—like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs—while maximising resource use and environmental sustainability.
Our specialist services:
Highlighted Projects
Build inclusive and climate change resilient communities through diversified agriculture and livestock production
Climate Just Communities (CJC) programme is a flagship programme financed by the Scottish government aiming to deliver climate justice interventions that tackle inequalities exacerbated by climate change and build communities resilience to the material and social impacts of climate change in Zambia. Through a Community-Led Farmer Field School approach, over 5,000 farmers have been trained in climate resilient agriculture and livestock husbandry, as well as in irrigated farming. The project is supporting households to improve their asset bases through small livestock distribution and related health services, providing goats and chickens to vulnerable households with comprehensive veterinary support. This targeted support aims to strengthen the asset base of participating households, offering them a reliable source of income and nutrition that is less susceptible to the uncertainties of crop production. By equipping farmers with knowledge in livestock husbandry and ensuring ongoing animal health services, the programme fosters improved household resilience, nutritional outcomes, and economic stability, particularly in communities facing heightened risks due to climate change.
In addition, the project supports households to start vegetable gardens, distributing vegetable seeds and seedlings to over 700 farmers. These farmers are then linked to markets for surplus vegetables through off-taker agreements, resulting in improved household nutrition and higher household incomes. This intervention aims to enhance household nutritional capacity while also providing vegetable growers with the opportunity to increase their income.
The project has thus far distributed over 9,000 livestock (goats and chickens) to over 2,500 vulnerable households and in total reached over 32,000 direct beneficiaries and over 79,000 indirect beneficiaries.
Invest in sustainable infrastructure for pastoralist communities
Regional Migration Fund in the Horn of Africa (RMF), financed by KfW and operating under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), prioritises investments in the livestock sector to strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods. Core infrastructure projects have focused on providing reliable water sources for both people and livestock, including the construction of boreholes and the development of water resources. These initiatives are complemented by capacity building and technical support, ensuring that communities can manage and maintain water infrastructure effectively for livestock needs.
Further livestock-centred interventions include the establishment and improvement of livestock markets and trading sites, alongside transport and logistics activities that facilitate the safe and efficient movement of animals. Training programmes address environmental sustainability, market operations, and maintenance, empowering communities to adopt best practices and enhance economic opportunities in livestock trading.
Additionally, RMF supports social cohesion and community development within livestock-rearing communities, fostering collaboration and strengthening the foundations for long-term sector growth. NIRAS coordinates the implementation of these livestock-focused activities, guiding stakeholders, managing operations, and ensuring that cross-cutting measures—such as environmental management, gender sensitivity, and capacity building—are fully integrated into every stage of the project.
