Africa’s small-scale fisheries play a critical role in global food security and must be supported with greater research and investment as the collective value of the small scale fisheries of Africa was too big to ignore.
Fish accounts for more than one-fifth
of the protein intake of African south of the Sahara and provides a livelihood
to millions of people.
International and African experts from industry, NGO, government and academic made
this known at the second Blue Economy Symposium in Tunis, Tunisia last week.
The symposium was part of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) 2019 and Murdoch University’s Third Commission, a research investigation focusing on issues of public concern to Africa.
According to Murdoch University
Adjunct Professor, Dr. Jeremy Prince, who attended the symposium and is
contributing to the work of the Third Commission in this area, said the
collective value of the small scale fisheries of Africa was too big to ignore.
“It is critical that we stabilise and rebuild these fisheries to ensure both
food security and the future of the blue economy. The time to act is now,” Dr. Prince.
Discussions at the Tunis symposium provided useful insights and contributions
to the fine-tuning of the focus and narrative of the Blue Economy chapter of
the Third Commission’s report. A strong emphasis was placed on the need to
highlight clear and innovative actions to effect lasting transformation of the
blue economy in Africa.
Participants in the symposium called on all nations and international
institutions to recognise the value and economic impact of small-scale
fisheries in Africa. Their recommendations included:
Increasing investment to allow fishing communities to be more involved in the co-management of fisheries; and
Directly engaging with fishing communities to collect and share relevant data regarding the state and economic value of small-scale coastal fisheries.
About the Third Commission
In keeping with Murdoch University’s commitment to quality research and
teaching in public policy at both the national and international levels,
Murdoch Commissions are exercises in applied public policy informed by rigorous
scholarly research and analytical thinking. They bring together senior
practitioners, international experts and thought leaders from Australia and
around the world to work on pressing problems and issues of public concern.
The first Murdoch Commission, “Western Australia and the evolving regional
order: challenges and opportunities” published its final report in November
2013 and the second Murdoch Commission, “Food security, trade and partnerships:
Towards resilient regional food systems in Asia” released its report in
December 2015.
Murdoch’s Third Commission commenced in June of 2018 and is focused on six
themes firmly rooted in the agenda for action identified by the Africa Progress
Panel (APP) as being in need of more significant research attention, bolder
policy innovation, faster implementation on the ground, enhanced political
leadership and the conceptualisation and roll out of innovative research
solutions.
These themes are:
Promoting Equity in the Extractive Industries: Managing the Extractives Industry in a more equitable, transformative and sustainable;
Boosting the Blue Economy: Better Monitoring, Governing and Harnessing of the Blue Economy;
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production: Enhancing Sustainable Farming and Food Production and Nutritional Security;
Increasing Power and Light: Creating greater and more innovative access to Modern Energy (Electricity and Light) Fast; and
Cross-cutting themes of Women &
Youth and Climate Change.
An overarching focus of the Third Commission is identifying small scale policy
interventions that have potential to make big impacts. Additionally, it seeks
to enhance Murdoch University’s links with Africa in areas of the university’s
comparative advantage, including research and innovation expertise, strategic
interest and networking capabilities within Australia, in Africa and
globally.
The Third Commission report is due to be published in 2020.
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