Maniema fish farmers seek state aid to revive aquaculture sector

On the occasion of the National Fish Day on June 24, 2026, fish farmers in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of Congo are urgently appealing to the government for support to revive their sector. Represented by the Union of Aquaculture Associations of Maniema (UIAM), they emphasize that aquaculture is a key component of local food security.

According to UIAM, Maniema has a rich history in aquaculture. Before the country's independence, the province was a significant food source for the DRC, producing over a ton of fish per production cycle. This productivity was attributed to robust infrastructure, including the Kisamba site in Kasongo territory and the Bisamengo site, which featured 36 fish ponds spread over seven kilometers. However, this once-thriving network of facilities has significantly declined, depriving the region of a vital protein source.

The most pressing issue for fish farmers today is the scarcity of fingerlings (alevins). Operators in Kindu and other territories within Maniema face major logistical hurdles in accessing essential reproduction inputs. Balisisi Bulenge, a local fish farmer, described the daily struggles, stating, "The big problem we have is fingerlings first. We lack the resources to obtain them and put them in our ponds. Sometimes, with the drought, the waters dry up. To get them, you have to fish directly in the rivers. Since we are engaged in fish farming, the state should look favorably upon this sector to boost us."

Despite the current crisis, stakeholders in the sector see National Fish Day as an ideal opportunity. They aim to engage the public, raise awareness, and urge decision-makers to prioritize funding for local aquaculture. The farmers believe that with state intervention and support, the sector can be revitalized, restoring Maniema's status as a significant fish producer and contributing to food security.

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The big problem we have is fingerlings first. We lack the resources to obtain them and put them in our ponds. Sometimes, with the drought, the waters dry up. To get them, you have to fish directly in the rivers. Since we are engaged in fish farming, the state should look favorably upon this sector to boost us.