UL academic makes global impact with aquaculture training in Benin

UL academic makes global impact with aquaculture training in Benin

Dr Esau Mbokane, a Research Associate in the Aquaculture Research Unit at UL, is currently conducting a five-month training course for aquaculture students in Benin

 Dr Esau Mbokane, an aquaculture academic from the University of Limpopo (UL), is making a global impact by providing intensive training to aquaculture students at the Benin National University of Agriculture

Currently, 29 undergraduate and eight master’s students in the West African country are benefiting from Dr Mbokane’s expertise on pressing aquaculture issues. As a Research Associate in the Aquaculture Research Unit (ARU) at UL, Dr Mbokane is conducting a five-month (May-September 2024) training course on fish diseases for the 37 aquaculture students. The course focuses on parasitology, specifically parasites and diseases that commonly affect cultured fish, covering topics such as morphology, lifecycles, pathology, and epizootiological aspects.

Included in topics covered by Dr Mbokane for the purposes of the training are subjects on the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of the fish diseases. His training also emphasises the importance of implementing biosecurity measures to prevent and manage fish diseases in aquaculture.

Another aspect of his training programme is water quality. Dr Mbokane explained that the water quality programme is designed to “provide students with an understanding of water quality parameters in an aquaculture environment, including physical and chemical variables. It also covers fundamental chemical concepts related to aquaculture water quality and the relationship between microbial groups, processes, and physical and chemical water quality.”

Dr Mbokane views his participation in Benin as a testament to UL’s quality academics and their global impact. “My participation in this programme, having worked with ARU at UL, indicates that the research and training conducted at the unit are of the highest standard and are being recognised internationally. This has led to international collaborations with scientists and students interested in aquaculture,” noted Dr Mbokane.

Dr Thembinkosi Mabila, Director of Research Administration and Development at UL, emphasised the significance of global recognition for the University’s academics, highlighting the importance of international visits to share expertise, particularly in efforts to strengthen UL’s intra-Africa research collaborations.

“Dr Mbokane’s recognition elevates UL’s profile on the international stage, showcasing the institution’s outstanding research and contributions.”

Dr Mabila added this recognition aligns with the University’s strategic initiatives by contributing to the increase of international mobility opportunities for staff and students. “It also supports efforts towards the establishment of an African Institute by enhancing the University’s global presence and collaboration potential.”

Among other efforts, ARU at UL focuses on the production of freshwater warm water fish species and ornamental fish husbandry for the hobbyist market. Stock assessment studies are being undertaken with the aim of developing regulations to ensure the sustainable exploitation of inland fisheries. A number of freshwater fish are under threat, and the unit has embarked on research aimed at developing a conservation model for threatened African fish species.

Dr Mbokane conducts research on the use of medicinal plants in disease management in aquaculture, characterisation of diseases affecting tilapia and African catfish in South Africa, the use of bio-waste as alternative feed ingredients in the diets of tilapia and African catfish, and the impact of water quality on disease prevalence in aquaculture in South Africa.

He is involved in a research project investigating the potential use of medicinal plants (Artemisia afra and Moringa oleifera) as immunostimulants in freshwater fish species (Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus). The aim is to explore cheaper and environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling disease outbreaks in aquaculture.

Additionally, Dr Mbokane is part of a project exploring the possibility of using acid-fermented bio-waste as a protein source in the diets of freshwater fish species. He has also evaluated heavy metal and microbiological contamination and assessed the suitability of the Sand River water for irrigation, a project funded by the Water Research Commission.

Students from the Benin National University of Agriculture receive training on fish diseases from Dr Esau Mbokane, an academic from the University of Limpopo, currently on an academic excursion in Benin