ANNUAL REPORT 2024

As climate shocks grow more frequent and intense, the people who depend on aquatic food systems are feeling the greatest impacts. Rising ocean salinity and temperatures are reducing fish stocks and productivity, along with overfishing. In the problem also lies the solution. Aquatic food systems have the potential to both mitigate climate change and adapt our food systems to it.  

WorldFish is empowering communities with proven tools, digital innovations and nature-based solutions to improve livelihoods, diversify diets and restore biodiversity.

In Bangladesh, where smallholder fish farmers face repeated climate extremes from cyclones to saltwater intrusion, WorldFish research published in 2024 found aquaculture losses exceeding 140 million US dollars between 2011 and 2020. 

To help de-risk aquatic food systems, we introduced digital climate information and advisory services. These tools are now shaping national policy, helping farmers and fishers anticipate shocks and adapt practices to protect their livelihoods, food security and ecosystems

This focus on community-driven innovation extends to all regions where WorldFish works. In Cambodia, improved rice-field pond systems raised rice yields by 57% and fish yields by 67% in flood-prone areas.

In Egypt, a solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse produced leafy vegetables and genetically improved tilapia in a closed-loop, off-grid system.

An Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) South-South knowledge exchange brought together farmers and researchers from Kenya and Bangladesh to learn from each other. Participants explored integrated aquaculture systems, toured hatcheries and research stations and shared practical insights on restoring ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.

In 2024, we also elevated climate and environmental challenges and solutions on the global stage. At the UNFCCC COP29 in Azerbaijan, WorldFish co-hosted a high-level session calling for investment in aquatic food systems as climate solutions. Through the Blue Foods in National Climate Strategies project, we shared new policy guidance to help governments include aquatic foods in their national climate plans. AABS convened senior officials from Bangladesh and Mozambique who announced plans to restore mangroves, expand climate-resilient aquaculture and promote circular economies.

In 2025, we will continue to prioritize inclusive, community-led action for climate-resilient and sustainable aquatic food systems. Through the new CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030, we are scaling WorldFish innovations in climate information services, locally led adaptation, nature-based and integrated aquaculture, and climate-responsive policies across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. From creative capacity strengthening for small-scale fish farmers in Zambia to people-centered fisheries management in the coastal waters of Timor Leste, our research and partnerships are helping aquatic food producers to navigate the future in times of rapid change

Aquatic food systems are a foundation for jobs income and opportunity for all particularly for women and youth. In 2024 WorldFish worked with communities to strengthen these systems through inclusive value chains new technologies and support for dignified work across fisheries and aquaculture.

In Nigeria we partnered with local groups as part of the Asia Africa BlueTech Superhighway project to pilot integrated multitrophic aquaculture combining fish shellfish and seaweed in a single system. This nature-positive approach recycles nutrients improves water quality and reduces costs. Early signs of uptake from women’s groups and coastal communities point to its promise as a more resilient way to farm.

In Bangladesh the ECOFISH II project promoted alternative livelihoods and offered soft loans through community savings groups. These initiatives were part of a wider fisheries co-management model that placed local communities at the centre of decision-making to manage coastal resources. Women’s income groups and business literacy sessions helped shift power dynamics improve nutrition and build economic resilience.

In Zambia we worked with national institutions to explore how aquatic foods can be part of social assistance programs. These initiatives aim to connect food security with economic opportunity for the most vulnerable.

In Kenya’s Lake Victoria region we introduced solar dryers freezers and fish smoking kilns to reduce post-harvest loss and empower women-led groups. These tools are helping preserve fish safely earn income and support families year-round.

WorldFish also invested in the next generation of researchers. Through the Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA) project we awarded PhD scholarships to young scientists from Nigeria and Zambia to develop affordable sustainable aquafeeds using local ingredients. Their work aims to reduce production costs improve nutrition and strengthen research capacity in African aquaculture.

Aquatic foods offer a powerful, affordable solution to “hidden hunger”, the lack of essential vitamins and minerals that continues to affect millions, especially women and children around the world.

In 2024, WorldFish supported communities to integrate fish into local diets, proving that small species can deliver big gains in health and nutrition.

A 2024 WorldFish study of 379 smallholder fish farmers in Sagaing and Shan found that two years of support through the MYSAP Inland Project led to greater fish consumption, improved dietary diversity, and increased pond income. Results highlight the importance of time, continuity, and coordinated support systems in nutrition-sensitive aquaculture.

In Bihar, India where cultural beliefs and affordability limit fish consumption, WorldFish and partners supported women-led fish-producing groups across more than 100 villages. The initiative combined improved pond practices with nutrition education and fish powder recipes. Results included a 10% rise in household fish intake and 142 women gaining new income as fish vendors.

In Bangladesh we focused on dried marine fish powder an underused and affordable source of nutrition. Through ECOFISH II and in partnership with local institutions we analyzed seven pelagic species and found that just 10 grams of fish powder can meet daily needs for protein calcium selenium and vitamin B12 in children under two and contribute to iron and zinc intake for pregnant and lactating women. These fish are widely consumed and easy to preserve yet remain overlooked in formal nutrition programmes.

Throughout 2024 WorldFish worked to ensure these findings reached policymakers and partners. We contributed to dialogues with CGIAR, FAO and national governments to make the case for aquatic foods as central, not peripheral to public health strategies.

The Bihar model is now informing other state-level efforts in India. In Bangladesh the fish powder analysis is feeding into food composition tables and dietary guidelines. In Myanmar evidence from MYSAP is helping shape conversations on delivering sustained support to rural producers in fragile contexts.