Vers une pisciculture plus durable et résiliente au Bénin : contexte, enjeux et solutions de remédiations Towards more sustainable and resilient fish farming in Benin : context, challenges and remediation solutions

Inland aquaculture in Benin is a strategic driver of food security and national economic development. However, the sector faces major challenges that threaten its long-term viability. The environmental challenge is predominant, marked by high vulnerability to climatic hazards, such as floods and droughts, as well as by the deterioration in water quality due to untreated fish farm effluents. From a technical and economic perspective, limited access to high-quality fry and the high cost of imported industrial feed drastically limit the profitability of farms, particularly for small-scale producers. To address these constraints, a transition to more sustainable production models is imperative. The adoption of integrated systems, such as aquaponics and integrated agriculture aquaculture (IAA), appears to be an effective solution. These systems promote circular nutrient management, whereby fish waste (particularly from Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus) serves as organic fertiliser for vegetable crops, thereby reducing the ecological footprint and optimising water use. At the same time, the implementation of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) helps to build resilience in the face of water scarcity. In terms of inputs, research should focus on utilising local protein sources, such as insect meal or agricultural by-products, to partially replace costly fishmeal. Finally, the sector’s sustainability depends on the professionalisation of stakeholders through well-structured cooperatives, which facilitate access to finance and innovative technologies. In short, a resilient aquaculture sector in Benin requires synergy between resource-efficient technological innovations, the utilisation of local raw materials and inclusive governance frameworks, thereby ensuring increased productivity that is environmentally friendly in the face of global changes.