Biofertilisers and Aquaculture in Africa: Enhancing Sustainable Fish Farming-Crop and Animal Production Synergies
摘要
The integration of aquaculture-crop and animal production promotes sustainable resource use by enhancing soil fertility, improving crop yields, recycling nutrients, and reducing environmental waste. In this synergised system, aquaculture by-products can be repurposed as biofertilisers for crop and animal production, and vice versa. This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of aquaculture-crop and animal production synergies in Africa. Aquaculture-crop and animal production synergies have significant benefits across the continent, including improved water quality, enhanced nutrient cycling increased yields. Aquaculture systems in Africa generate substantial amounts of solid and liquid waste, with solid biofertilisers derived from fish waste, algae, unused feed, and pond sediments, while liquid biofertilisers are produced from fish effluents and fermented fish waste. Crop and animal production provides biofertilisers such as compost and livestock manure, which enhance natural primary production and nutrient recycling in ponds. However, the commercial production of biofertilisers from aquaculture in Africa has not been fully realised due to a wide range of challenges, such as a lack of capital and government support. Given Africa’s rapid population growth, high food demands, and increasing environmental pressures, aquaculture-crop and animal production synergies are vital for sustainable resource management practices that ensure food security and environmental protection.