By Jimmy Zwane
Rhodes University’s Rural Fisheries Programme (RFP) has received Technical Recognition from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its game-changing contribution to sustainable aquaculture development in Africa.
The accolade acknowledges the Programme’s leadership in developing Buna Africa – a first-of-its-kind digital platform that strengthens aquaculture across the continent by empowering fish farmers and improving data collection for policymaking.
The announcement was made on 15 October 2025 during the FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations and the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome.
Harvesting Innovation: The Buna Africa Platform
Developed over three years by the Rural Fisheries Programme within Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Buna Africa is a digital ecosystem that links fish farmers, government departments, and technical experts. The platform allows users to upload production data in real time, access aquaculture manuals and training videos, use production calculators, and diagnose fish health issues – all in one accessible space.
The name “Buna” is derived from the Sepedi word meaning “to harvest” – a fitting title for a platform designed to cultivate knowledge, productivity, and sustainability.
“This recognition is the result of partnerships built over time and a deep understanding of the sector’s needs,” said Mr Qurban Rouhani, Director of the Rural Fisheries Programme. “We built Buna Africa on a simple but powerful principle: if we want better data, we must first deliver real value to those producing it.”
Rouhani emphasised that Buna is more than a reporting tool. It functions as a real-time support system for farmers and as a policy-shaping instrument for governments.
Scaling Across the Continent
Since its launch in 2022, Buna Africa has been successfully piloted in Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia, with support from FAO and WorldFish. The platform is also currently being implemented in Liberia, backed by the World Bank.
Governments in these countries have welcomed Buna as both a technical lifeline for farmers and a reliable mechanism for tracking aquaculture production. Following enthusiastic endorsement at the FAO’s Committee for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of Africa (CIFAA) in September 2024, the platform is now positioned for scaling across Africa.
With availability in English and French, Buna is tailored to serve Africa’s diverse linguistic and cultural regions.
Aligning with the FAO’s Blue Transformation Vision
The FAO’s Blue Transformation agenda calls for sustainable, inclusive, and digitally-enabled solutions in aquatic food systems. Buna Africa answers that call – not only aligning with FAO’s goals but advancing Africa’s voice in global sustainability conversations.
“Buna is a clear example of how African-led innovation is shaping global food systems,” said Professor Amber Childs, Head of DIFS at Rhodes University. “Our team’s work proves that research-driven technology can improve local livelihoods while influencing international policy.”
A Proud Moment for Rhodes and Africa
FAO’s Technical Recognition places Rhodes University among a select group of global institutions recognised for advancing sustainable aquatic food systems. But for Mr Rouhani and his team, the honour belongs to a continent-wide network.
“This is not just a Rhodes University achievement,” Rouhani noted. “It reflects the collective effort of farmers, researchers, government departments and global partners who believe in Africa’s potential to lead in sustainable aquaculture.”
As Africa’s aquaculture sector continues to expand, Buna Africa stands as a model of how digital innovation, grounded in local knowledge and global partnerships, can shape a more resilient and equitable future for food systems across the continent.
