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The WorldFish Center says small fish farms require little financial investment, physical strength or education ?a low-labour livelihood that can sustain both the poor and the growing number of HIV and AIDS affected households, especially those headed by widows and orphans.

Called "rich food for poor people," fish contain combinations of proteins, vitamins and minerals that help fortify people with HIV and AIDS against secondary infections while increasing the effectiveness of retroviral drugs.

"Small fish ponds are a valuable addition to farms without substantially adding to the labour burden," says Daniel Jamu, the WorldFish Center's program director for southern Africa, adding that HIV and AIDS affected families in Malawi, including many headed by widows and orphans, have tried this approach with impressive results.

"Their nutrition has improved because they are eating fish and they are using the income from selling excess catch to obtain medical attention, including HIV and AIDS care and medicines," he says.

Says Prof. Richard Mkandawire, senior NEPAD Agriculture Advisor: "For a relatively small investment, the international community has an opportunity to bring about significant improvement in the well-being and physical condition of millions in Africa."

A five-point strategy to boost fish production

The Fish for All Summit is designed to build a common, strategic understanding among regional stakeholders of the importance of fisheries and aquaculture for Africa's development and of challenges faced by the sector.

"African fisheries and aquaculture are at a turning point," says WorldFish Director-General Stephen Hall. "There is a pressing need for strategic investments to better natural fish stocks management, develop aquaculture and enhance Africa's fish trade at every level. Regional and national research, technology transfer and policy development also need improvement.