In Gabon, the growing demand for fish offers new opportunities for young people in aquaculture.

Levedy Celeste Lossangoye has had a passion for fish farming since a very young age. She grew up surrounded by fishponds on her family's fish farm in Andem, Gabon, a Central African country.

Located about 60 kilometers from Libreville, the capital of the country, the family farm has 21 ponds spread over two hectares and has a production capacity of about 37 tons per year. While this is enough to live well, the potential is not fully exploited.

Employment opportunities for young people

Many young graduates are struggling to find jobs in Gabon, where youth unemployment is as high as 38 percent, according to the International Labour Organization. FAO believes that the fisheries and aquaculture sector can play an important role in creating jobs, especially for young people, and in meeting the challenge of food security and nutrition.

"Aquaculture is a profitable business that allows you to both feed your family and support your finances," says Celeste. "I strongly advise the unemployed to get into this business."

According to the latest data, 423 farmers practice aquaculture and fish farming in Gabon, but only 22.7 per cent of them are under the age of 35.

In addition to aquaculture production, FAO helps promote aquaculture among young people by offering workshops on aquaculture investment and decision-making to improve business plans. It also provided equipment for fish farming and harvesting to the participants.

Yannick Mve Obiang, a 27-year-old fish farmer who produces catfish and tilapia, says that thanks to FAO's training, he has been able to acquire the skills and knowledge to modernize his ponds and move from subsistence aquaculture to commercial production.

However, in Gabon, the sector faces constraints, including the lack of quality fish food or fry at an affordable price, as well as the lack of investment capital.

"With the lack of good quality core resources, it is difficult for the sector to attract new investors and meet the Government's targets of doubling national fish production to 50,000 tonnes by 2025," kinadjian said.

We have placed a strong emphasis on a vision of seeing aquaculture as a commercial activity, which should ensure the profitability and sustainability of activities and mobilize financing, outside of development projects or government grants.

Now 30 years old, Celeste is an agricultural engineer with a vision. She works with her father, Daniel, to transform the family business into a large-scale operation that...