The United States Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a significant investment of $29 million to support aquatic and fish farmers in Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zambia.
This funding is part of a five-year extension for two research partnerships under Feed the Future, the US government’s global hunger and food security initiative. The investment is divided into two parts: $15 million led by Mississippi State University and $14 million led by Michigan State University for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish and Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research programs respectively.
The initiative aims to strengthen the climate resilience of fisheries and other aquatic food systems, increase sustainable and climate-smart practices, and focus on increasing food safety and inclusivity along aquatic food value chains.
In an official press release, a spokesperson for the US government stated, “This investment underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and enhancing food security in these regions. We believe that by strengthening the climate resilience of fisheries and other aquatic food systems, we can make a significant impact on the lives of local farmers.”
The US government’s investment is expected to have a transformative effect on local farming communities, providing them with the resources they need to thrive in a changing climate. The initiative also aligns with global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.