Assessing the Impacts of Stakeholders in Aquaculture Enterprise Development in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

South African stakeholders, including the government, have made significant efforts to improve the enabling environment for aquaculture development. However, due to socio-economic pressures, the investment of public funding comes with expectations for job creation, transformation and empowerment. This study examined the effects of the current institutional framework, support systems and stakeholders on the development of the aquaculture sector in South Africa. The study was conducted on the west coast of the Western Cape, South Africa, focusing on the marine bivalve shellfish farming sub-sector in Saldanha Bay. A multiple-case study approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners or managers of ten aquaculture enterprises, and with nine representatives of role players who have experience in aquaculture, agriculture or enterprise development. The results indicated that over-regulation and complex application processes are still challenging, and a change in the lead department introduced uncertainty. The strong focus on socio-economic development was regarded as problematic. The study found that the enabling environment for aquaculture has greatly improved, but important challenges remain. The study recommends the establishment of an integrated aquaculture sector incubator programme to develop financially sustainable aquaculture enterprises and strengthen the role and mandate of an existing aquaculture industry organisation, such as Aquaculture South Africa.