Readying the basins for the fish, part of a trial aquaculture project in four of our well- established gardens.
During our latest trip to Senegal, Garrison and Lewis worked with our Senegal staff to add yet another exciting element to four of our gardens near Keur Soce - Aquaculture! In a partnership with the Auburn University, that started in 2019, we are embarking on a trial fish farming project to raise Tilapia and Clarias Catfish in the gardens.
Filling the two large basins that will be home to Tilapia and Clarias Catfish in the gardens.
Fish are an essential part of daily life in Senegal and while dried fish are readily available throughout the country, fresh fish can sometimes be scarce in inland areas. Producing fish locally is a wonderful addition to food security and our nutrition objectives.
But where does one get baby fish in Senegal? Well, as with most things, you gotta know a guy. Fish farming isn’t commonplace yet in Senegal but it does exist and there is a small network of fish producers around the country. Our coordinator from Auburn gave us a list of phone numbers and that’s all we needed.
Naturally none of those contacts had any fish available but believe in the magic of Senegal and our Country Director Boubou! He connected the dots from one person to the next until just a few days later, as if by magic it seemed, we were driving into town with 500 fingerlings in the back of the truck! We introduced the fish into the basins to the general amazement from everyone, ourselves included.
The significance of what this could mean for the gardens wasn’t lost on anyone and both the technicians and the women in the gardens were eager and attentive as we explained the project.
We left everything in their capable hands and a month later we are happy to report that the fish are doing great! This is only the beginning. We’ll keep you updated as the fish grow and we see the many benefits they bring.