Expanding Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Supply Chains for Regional Food Security in Africa

Marine fisheries and aquaculture are central to enhancing regional food security in Africa, offering a sustainable source of nutrition, income, and economic growth. As land-based food systems face increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation, aquatic food systems provide a resilient alternative. This chapter examines the strategic expansion of marine fisheries and aquaculture supply chains as a means to address Africa’s food and nutritional challenges. It explores key stages of the value chain, harvesting, postharvest handling, storage, transportation, processing, marketing, and distribution, highlighting critical bottlenecks and opportunities for innovation. Emphasis is placed on inclusive approaches that empower small-scale fishers and women, strengthen cold chain logistics, improve access to finance, and promote environmentally responsible practices. This chapter also underscores the importance of policy harmonization, investment in infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to build efficient, equitable, and climate-resilient supply chains. Strengthening these systems is essential not only for improving access to nutritious food but also for advancing sustainable livelihoods, rural development, and regional economic integration across the African continent.