Liberia’s aquaculture sector remains untapped, currently producing an estimated 2,000 metric tons
of fish annually, primarily through smallholder pond systems. These small-scale fish farmers
operate approximately 1,700 ponds across 114 hectares, focusing mainly on the cultivation of
tilapia and catfish. The aquaculture sector faces a range of challenges, including limited human
capacity, inadequate access to credit, poor-quality fish feed and seed stock, and weak extension
and advisory services. These constraints have collectively hindered the growth and development
of aquaculture in the country.
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Despite its modest output, the sector holds substantial potential due to Liberia’s abundant
freshwater resources, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and increasing demand for fish as a
source of protein. The Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture
Authority (NaFAA) and in partnership with international organizations such as the World Bank
(WB) and the European Union (EU), is actively working to develop the sector. Key initiatives
include strengthening institutional frameworks, providing training for fish farmers, supporting the
establishment of small-, medium-, and large-scale aquaculture enterprises, and promoting
sustainable practices. International collaborations, including those with Egypt, have also been
established to facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
Aquaculture is viewed as a strategic avenue to reduce Liberia’s heavy reliance on fish imports,
which currently amounts to approximately 50,000 metric tons annually. As such, it has been
prioritized under the Government of Liberia’s development framework, the “ARREST Agenda
for Inclusive Development (AAID).”
By 2030, the sector is projected to produce up to 60,000 metric tons of fish annually, thereby
strengthening national food security, generating employment, and contributing significantly to
economic growth.