On December 21, 2024, a groundbreaking fish farming workshop was held in Tamale, Northern Region, under the collaborative efforts of Faako Aquaponics and Masterclass Foundation. This free training event, tailored to budding and aspiring fish farmers, combined theoretical insights and hands-on practical experiences. The workshop proved to be a resounding success, fostering knowledge and enthusiasm among participants while advancing the mission of sustainable aquaculture practices in the region. This was also to ensure empowering fish farmers who are beginners with more emphasis on females or women.
Introduction
Fish farming is a vital industry in Ghana and globally, contributing to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Recognizing its potential, Faako Aquaponics, in collaboration with the Masterclass Foundation, organized this free workshop to introduce participants to the fundamentals of aquaculture, equip them with essential skills, and inspire a new generation of fish farmers.
This one-day event combined engaging theoretical presentations with an immersive practical session at a local fish farm, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience. Here’s a detailed account of the event and its impact.
Theoretical Sessions: Knowledge at the Core
The workshop began with three meticulously prepared presentations, each addressing a critical aspect of fish farming. Participants received PDF copies of these presentations for future reference.
1. Overview of Fish Farming
Led by Abdul Aziz, this session introduced participants to the foundational concepts of aquaculture and fish farming. Key topics covered included:
- Definition and Scope: Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms, focusing on the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish and other aquatic organisms in controlled environments. While aquaculture is an umbrella term that covers all aquatic organisms including aquatic plants, fish farming is limited to only the rearing of fish in a confined environment.
- Historical Context: From ancient practices in China to the modern advancements that drive today’s aquaculture industry.
- Global and Local Statistics: Insights into Ghana’s rising aquaculture production, particularly tilapia and catfish farming, and its contribution to the economy.
- Types of Fish Farming: Participants explored various systems such as earthen ponds, concrete ponds, tarpaulin ponds, plastic ponds, glass ponds, and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), with discussions on their advantages and disadvantages.
2. How to Get Started with Fish Farming
The second session provided participants with a step-by-step guide to establishing a successful fish farm. Highlights included:
- Site Selection: Importance of water quality, soil type, climate, and accessibility to markets.
- Legal Considerations: Navigating zoning laws, permits, and environmental regulations to ensure compliance.
- Budgeting and Financial Planning: Estimating initial investment, operating costs, and revenue projections while emphasizing the need for financial record-keeping and risk management.
- Security: Strategies to protect farms from theft, predation, and other risks.
3. Fish Farm Management
This session emphasized best practices for operating and maintaining a fish farm. Key takeaways included:
- Stocking: Sourcing quality fingerlings and avoiding overstocking or understocking.
- Feeding: Selecting high-quality feed, using responsive feeding techniques, and avoiding wastage.
- Water Management: Techniques for maintaining optimal water quality, including aeration and timely water changes.
- Fish Sorting: The importance of sorting fish by size to reduce cannibalism and ensure uniform growth.
- Marketing and Harvesting: Tips for early market planning and efficient harvesting techniques to maximize profit.
Practical Session: Learning by Doing
The highlight of the workshop was the practical session held at a local fish farm. Participants had the opportunity to:
- Observe and participate in pond management practices, including feeding, water quality checks, and fish handling.
- Practice fish sorting techniques to ensure proper growth and reduce cannibalism.
- Learn firsthand about fish behavior, feeding responses, and how to maintain optimal pond conditions.
- Engage in discussions with seasoned fish farmers who share real-world challenges and solutions.
This hands-on experience reinforced the theoretical knowledge gained earlier in the day and allowed participants to apply new concepts in a real-world setting. As part of empowering fish farmers, we made sure nothing important was left out.
Participant Feedback and Testimonials
The training received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. One attendee, Mutari Ayoka Afoyem, expressed his gratitude in an email:
“Dear Abdul Aziz,
I hope you are doing well, Abdul Aziz. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding contribution to the Catfish Farming Workshop held yesterday. Your expertise and engaging delivery made a significant impact on all the participants.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with most attendees highlighting your ability to simplify complex concepts and inspire interest in aquaculture. Your insights into practical farming techniques and entrepreneurial skills truly enriched the experience for everyone involved.
Thank you once again for your dedication and professionalism. I look forward to the possibility of working together in future workshops.
Kind regards,
Mutari Ayoka Afoyem”
This sentiment was echoed by other participants, many of whom expressed their eagerness to implement the knowledge gained during the workshop.
One of the participants by the name Zainab who started her farm already stated “I wished I attended such training before starting my farm”. She made the remarks because she overjoyed the training and realized her mistakes as she operated her fish farm.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The free fish farming workshop in Tamale was a testament to the power of education and collaboration. By combining theory with practical application, the event equipped participants with the tools they need to embark on or enhance their fish farming ventures.
The success of the workshop underscores the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainable agriculture and empowering local communities.
Future Plans: Faako Aquaponics and Masterclass Foundation plan to organize more workshops to reach a wider audience and address advanced topics in aquaculture. Our doors are always open to potential partners in the future who may also want to contribute to the climate and eco-friendly operations of fish farming.
For those who missed the workshop, all the presentation materials are available for download on our website. Visit Faako Aquaponics for resources, tips, and updates on upcoming events. Also, the session was recorded and shared on our YouTube channel. You may watch it by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more educational content.
You may also check out our ultimate fish farming guide which is a pdf. Grab a copy of the Comprehensive Fish Farming Guide From Set-up to Harvest Now.
