A team from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, led by Edgar Brun, participated in the closing workshop for the AHA (Aquatic Animal Health Africa) project «Increased Sustainability in the Aquaculture Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa through Improved Aquatic Animal Health Management».

This event marked the final phase of the four-year project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and featured workshops held in Ghana and Kenya in collaboration with the WorldFish Centre, the University of Nairobi, and the University of Ghana.

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute team included Shimaa Ali, Saraya Tavornpanich, Jacob Zornu, Kofitsyo Cudjoe, and Edgar Brun.

Key achievements

At a two-day workshop in Ghana, a summary of the project’s activities highlighted its many successes. Notably, four Master's students have already graduated as part of the project, with two additional graduates expected to graduate in December 2024. In Kenya, the project supported seven Master’s students all of whom have completed their theses and are set to graduate by the end of the year.

-The project also focused on building laboratory capacities in both countries and delivered seven training sessions for over 100 participants at the WorldFish Centre in Egypt. Thousands more were reached through online courses on the WorldFish platform. The team from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute provided specialized training in epidemiology and outbreak investigation in aquatic animals in both Ghana and Kenya. Together with our partners, we identified gaps in education, research, and biosecurity in aquatic animal health, says Edgar Brun.

Research and studies

Two extensive epidemiological studies were conducted in Kenya and Ghana, using methods and tools developed by the WorldFish-Norwegian Veterinary Institute’s collaboration. This has provided insights into farming systems, practices, and the underlying causes of unusual mortalities.

Impact across Africa

-One of the project’s most significant outcomes is establishing a strong network in Africa and strengthening the collaboration and knowledge sharing to support the aquaculture sector’s growth. These initiatives, focusing on engaging younger generations, address both the challenges and opportunities within the sector. While the primary focus of capacity-building activities was on Ghana and Kenya, the project’s reach extended to Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia, adds Brun.