"Combating Malnutrition in Sierra Leone through Aquaculture" by Joseph Stewart

This is one of a series of posts written by students in the UA Master's in Development Practice (MDP) Program based on work conducted through their summer field practicums and other research and advocacy activities. 

This policy brief was written by MDP student Joseph Stewart. 

"Although Sierra Leone’s national fish consumption per year is in-line with the global average, (17kg vs. 19.7kg), this isn’t necessarily the case in more rural, poorer areas. People in the Tokolili District are consuming far less fish, and in its place rely on foods heavy in starch, such as rice and cassava. This leads to gross nutrient deficiencies, particularly in children where current estimates have shown the Tonkolili District as having a 28.2 percent childhood stunting rate. 

"By scaling up aquaculture production within the district, citizens would have better access to proper nutrition and improved livelihoods through the production and selling of Tilapia fish.  Of course, even on a small scale, aquaculture takes capital, education, and proper management to be successful.  Obtaining the required inputs, including fish feed and lime, are some of the biggest challenges facing new fish farmers."