By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
The Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and European Union (EU) on Tuesday
launched a massive Aquaculture Support Programme for the economic emancipation
of troubled Borno State.
The programme which is to be replicated in other affected states of the North
East, was launched in Gongulong community in Jere local government area of the
state.
Speaking during the launch, FAO Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Suffyan Koroma
said: “Today, it is my honour to officially launch FAO’s Aquaculture programme
in Gungolong, which is part of a larger European Union Trust Fund programme to
assist close to 100,000 households in Borno to restore their livelihoods in
agriculture – farming, livestock, fish production and agribusiness –
between 2018 and 2021.
He lamented that “the armed insurgency in the northeast has resulted in the
disruption of fishing livelihoods, an important source of income, especially
for households dependent on the Lake Chad.”
He said: “For households affected by the insurgency, especially those formerly
engaged in fishing, FAO believes that aquaculture-based activities will provide
a meaningful way out of poverty and help families to become independent of
humanitarian aid while moving towards self-reliance.
“Today’s initiative will support 30 households across Jere LGA, of which 10
households in Gungolong are represented today. A further 20 households in
Monguno LGA have also received these fish farming kits to begin new
livelihoods. FAO hopes its aquaculture programme will have a multiplier effect
in Gungolong and other communities, by empowering youth who will then employ
and empower more members of their communities.”
He explained that: “Fish production is an important source of economic
diversification and nutrition and will provide profitable income streams for
the individuals participating in our aquaculture programme.”
He said: “Under the European Union Trust Fund financed project for Borno State,
FAO is targeting youth, both males and females. We plan to engage 200 male
headed households in fish farming in 2019, and train and equip a further 100
female headed houses in fish processing and marketing within the State.”
Koroma disclosed that: “”Today’s group has been equipped with fish farming
starter kits including a fish rearing tank, fish feed, fish juveniles, water
pumps and numerous other important accessories that will enable immediate fish
production.”
He said: “To the individuals of today’s aquaculture programme, FAO will
continue to lend its expertise and support to you in the months and years to
come. We wish you heartiest congratulations on this new livelihood venture as
you strive to transform your lives and that of your community through fish
farming.”
Also speaking at the launch, the Borno State Commissioner for Animal Resources
and Fisheries Development, Dr. Toma Ringiya commending the efforts of FAO and
it’s partners toward the financial emancipation of the people of Borno, said
this programme is very optimal and timely considering the level of devastation
suffered by communities in the state as result of insurgency.
The commissioner, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Alhaji
Dahiru Mohammed, said “it is therefore a good initiative and commendable, it
would go a long way in cushioning the hardship of the targeted beneficiaries.”
