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Studying the feasibility of Scaling Fish Farming Business in Afghanistan

In recognition of agriculture’s central role in Afghanistan’s economy, the Afghan Sustainable Economic Foundation (ASEF), a US-based NGO, commissioned Shatoot Consultants to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on fish farming in Kabul, Laghman, Logar, and Nangarhar provinces. The study assessed the technical, market, financial, and organizational viability of aquaculture as a sustainable, income‑generating sector for Afghan communities.

Through field visits, consumer surveys, stakeholder interviews, and comparative analysis with poultry farming, Shatoot Consultants developed a four‑dimensional feasibility framework. The study produced evidence‑based findings on market demand, natural suitability, investment requirements, and employment potential, alongside a cost‑benefit model and actionable recommendations.

The results confirmed that fish farming is both technically and economically feasible in key regions, offering strong prospects for rural livelihoods, nutrition, and enterprise development. While challenges such as limited technical knowledge and infrastructure gaps remain, the study provided ASEF with a clear roadmap for scaling aquaculture and strengthening the fish value chain in Afghanistan.

Activities and Deliverables 

Market Feasibility Study

  • Survey of registered fish farmers

  • Identification of main breeds 

  • Mapping of production regions

  • Analysis of farm structures (pond size, number of workers, water sources)

  • Yield estimation

  • Value chain mapping (imported vs. domestic fish, traders, wholesalers, retailers, consumers)

  • Fish farm management calendar for carp species 

  • Primary data collection 

  • Assessment of hatchery capacity 

  • Market demand analysis

  • Competition analysis (imports vs. domestic supply, pricing comparisons with other meats).

  • Marketing channels 

  • Identification of competitive advantages 

 
Technical Feasibility Activities

  • Land and pond requirements assessment

  • Water source evaluation 

  • Climatic condition analysis 

  • Input availability review 

  • Socio-economic profiling of farmers 

  • Documentation of production cycle

  • Infrastructure and technology assessment

  • Identification of technical challenges 

  • Risk analysis 

  • District-level case study 

 
Organizational Feasibility Activities

  • Licensing and permit requirements 

  • Staffing and labor needs 

  • Comparison with poultry farming

  • Pilot project recommendations 

  • Financial feasibility and cost-benefit analysis

  • Comparative profitability analysis with other agricultural/livestock options

Shatoot Consultants