© Britz
His keynote, titled “Why African Aquaculture Development Needs to Shift from a Technology Transfer Focus to a Value Chain Development Approach”, will examine Africa’s transition from predominantly small-scale, low-input production systems towards more intensive commercial operations operating within increasingly globalised value chains.
The address will argue that aquaculture development programmes in Africa have traditionally concentrated on technology transfer and training small-scale farmers while giving insufficient attention to participants’ circumstances, capabilities and aspirations as value-chain actors. According to the conference announcement, this has contributed to the limited uptake and application of aquaculture technologies in profitable farming enterprises.
An aquaculture and fisheries specialist, Britz was instrumental in the development of South Africa’s abalone farming industry and in initiatives to restore abalone fisheries through stock enhancement. He also played an important role in establishing Rhodes University as an African Union Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
His recent work has included leading fisheries and aquaculture policy research for the African Union and serving as senior technical adviser to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ FISH4ACP catfish value-chain programme in Nigeria. He has also served as president of the International Abalone Society and chairperson of the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa.
Hosted by Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, WA26T is expected to attract aquaculture producers, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, development partners and students from nearly 100 countries.
Held under the theme “Aquaculture Driving Blue Transformation”, the conference programme will include plenary sessions, scientific presentations, industry forums, workshops and an international trade exhibition showcasing developments and innovations in aquaculture.
The event will provide participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge, establish partnerships and discuss challenges and opportunities facing aquaculture in Africa and internationally. It will also give Tanzania a platform to share its experience, advances and innovations in the sector.
Further information about registration, exhibition opportunities and abstract submissions is available through the official WA26T website. General enquiries can be directed to the WAS African Chapter Secretariat at africanchapter@was.org.
