Africa’s aquaculture sector is at a pivotal moment.
With growing demand for fish protein, increasing pressure on wild stocks, and rising interest from governments and investors, aquaculture presents an opportunity to strengthen food security, climate resilience, and economic development across the continent.
Yet despite decades of effort, the sector continues to face one persistent challenge: a lack of accessible, long-term learning pathways. Most initiatives have focused on short-term technical training — teaching farmers how to dig ponds, produce juveniles or feed fish, or manage production. While these skills are essential, they don’t address the broader systems, strategies, or sustainability principles that underpin lasting impact.
As early as the 1970s and 1980s, aquaculture development projects across Africa failed to take root after donor support ended. These initiatives often lacked adequate institutional frameworks, educational depth, and capacity-building support — leaving communities with tools, but not the knowledge to adapt, lead, or grow.¹
The problem remains. According to a 2021 FAO assessment of 25 African countries, over 40% reported under-utilisation of trained aquaculture personnel, primarily due to a lack of follow-through, mentoring, or institutional integration.²
That’s why ACMS has created InDepth —
To help address this persistent gap, ACMS has launched InDepth, an open-access online education platform launching in Africa’s aquaculture context.
InDepth is not a replacement for training — it’s a complement.
Where training teaches the how, education explores the why.
“Education allows us to ask better questions. Training teaches us how to act. Together, they build leaders, not just workers.”
— Willem Schoonbee, ACMS Director
Through InDepth, learners gain a deeper understanding of:
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- Environmental and ecosystem dynamics
- Sustainable aquaculture practices
- Business models and market access
- Governance, policy, and planning framework
By equipping farmers, educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs with both practical skills and strategic understanding, InDepth helps build a resilient and future-facing aquaculture sector.
📘 The First Free Course is Live
The first course in the InDepth series is now available. It’s mobile-friendly, open-access, and designed to be relevant across experience levels and regions.
🟢 Whether you’re a fish farmer looking to grow your business,
🔵 A policymaker shaping national aquaculture policy, or
🟢 An educator preparing the next generation —
Explore the course: https://acms.learnworlds.com/
🌍 Join the Movement
InDepth is more than a platform — it’s a call to reframe aquaculture capacity-building.
By investing in education alongside training, we can create a generation of aquaculture professionals who are not just technically skilled, but informed, innovative, and ready to lead.
Let’s go deeper — together.
📚 References
1. Brummett, R. et al. (2008). African Aquaculture: Realizing the Potential. WorldFish Center.
2. FAO (2021). Regional Review on Status and Trends in Aquaculture Development in Sub-Saharan Africa – 2020.Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5072en