Innovations Durables En Aquaculture et Rizipisciculture à Madagascar : Trajectoire Transformative 2021-2023

Abstract

Aquaculture in Madagascar is experiencing significant growth, although its potential remains largely underexploited. Between 2021 and 2023, national production increased from 16,000 to 37,000 tons, mainly thanks to the development of rice cultivation and marine algoculture. This increase partially contributes to the nutritional needs of the 28 million inhabitants, in a context where nearly 45% of children suffer from malnutrition, especially in rural areas of the Highlands. Rice cultivation, combining rice cultivation and fish farming on the same plot, increases household incomes by about 30%, while reducing water consumption and supporting biodiversity. The expansion of 17 emergence fish farming areas and the support of 1,000 fish farming families reflect this positive dynamic. At the same time, the shrimp sector remains fragile, affected by overfishing and recent pathological episodes. Economically, aquaculture contributes about $140 million in exports, while national consumption reaches 8 kg/inhabitant/year, a level below the regional average. Compared to East African countries, Madagascar is distinguished by the efficiency of its extensive systems, but is lagging behind in the modernization of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The outlook for 2030 envisages the extension to 70 fish areas, the adoption of innovative processes such as biofloc and artificial intelligence, as well as the strengthened establishment of marine protected areas, in order to respond to the challenges of drought, fishing overloads and food security. Overall, Madagascar appears as an emerging model of sustainable aquaculture in southern Africa, gradually transforming its structural constraints into opportunities for food resilience, agro-ecological innovation and rural employment.