Rwanda embarks on national fish breeding centre to reduce imports

RWANDA – The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) is constructing a state-of-the-art national research and breeding centre aimed at enhancing local fish production and reducing the country’s reliance on imported fish.

According to Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General in charge of animal resources development at RAB, the new facility, located in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, will address critical challenges in the aquaculture sector. 

“The national indoor research and breeding centre will enhance the availability of high-quality broodstock, reducing reliance on imports, which often carry the risks of introducing diseases,” she stated.

The project, designed to advance research in aquaculture, will focus on the genetic improvement of local fish species. 

Once operational, the centre is projected to produce between 1,000,000 and 3,000,000 broodstock annually, depending on the demand from private hatcheries and market needs.

Boosting local fish production

Broodstock, the mature fish used in breeding, is vital for producing high-quality fingerlings essential for fish farming. 

The facility will provide a reliable source of high-quality broodstock for local hatcheries, helping fish farmers access superior fingerlings to boost production.

“It will ensure the availability of high-quality broodstock for private hatcheries, enabling them to produce superior fingerlings for fish farmers. This, in turn, will boost local fish production and improve access to fresh fish for Rwandan communities,” Uwituze added.

This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Aquaculture Strategy for 2023–2035, which targets increasing fish production from the current 4,000 tonnes to over 80,620 tonnes annually by 2035. 

Cage fish farming, a practice where fish are reared in large floating cages in open water, is expected to contribute 73% of this aquaculture target.

Enhancing skills and reducing dependency

The development comes alongside the certification of six private tilapia hatcheries in Rwamagana, Kayonza, Bugesera, Gisagara, and Rusizi districts to ensure local farmers have access to quality fingerlings. However, challenges persist, particularly in skill development.

Themistocle Munyangeyo, Managing Director of Fine Fish Ltd in Rubavu District, highlighted the gap in skilled labor within the fishing industry. 

“Inadequate skills are still a problem for those involved in the fishing industry. Universities and IPRCs [Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centres] do not provide sufficient internship opportunities to their respective students,” he noted.

The research centre aims to address these issues by not only increasing production but also providing training opportunities to enhance farm management skills, a critical component for sustainable aquaculture growth.

Reducing imports and enhancing food security

In 2022, Rwanda imported fish fillets worth US$4.15 million, primarily from China, Tanzania, and Uganda, reflecting the high demand for fish in the country. 

The establishment of the research and breeding centre is expected to significantly decrease dependency on these imports while improving food security and creating job opportunities in the aquaculture sector.

As part of ongoing efforts, Rwandan cooperatives and private companies are gearing up to meet the growing demand for fresh fish through improved fishing practices and infrastructure. 

“Access to young fish and better fishing skills will essentially boost fish production and the industry at large,” said Théobar Ahishakiye, President of the Fishing Nkombo, Nkanka, Gihundwe Cooperative (FINNKOAGI CO), which operates on Lake Kivu.