Health Benefits of Fish Consumption and Its Contribution to Poverty Alleviation and Food Security in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Food insecurity and malnutrition remains a public health threat in developing countries including Ethiopia, as millions of people continue to suffer from these problems. Therefore, fish consumption is one of the most important sources of micro and macronutrients for human health and overcome food insecurity and malnutrition problems. Ethiopia is endowed with lakes, reservoirs and rivers, which could be the potential resources for fisheries production and consumption. However, their exploitation and contribution to food security and poverty alleviation in the country was scarce. Therefore, this review was designed to provide the current information concerning the health benefits of fish consumption and its contribution to poverty alleviation and food security issues in Ethiopia. Peer-reviewed articles, gray literature, key reports from national and international organizations, research findings in developed and developing countries were used to collect information for this work. Fish is a source of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, which could prevent non-communicable diseases. However, access to road infrastructure, pond management level, water sources, fish feed status, location of ponds and consumption habits were factors affecting fish production and consumption. Other factors which could affect fish production were climate change and variability, low fish supply, lack of awareness, lack of support, lack of facilities, low profit, and distance from market place. Therefore, a strategic partnership and collaboration of all responsible bodies should determine the long term impacts of fisheries production and consumption patterns on the poverty alleviation, food and nutrition security in the country.