TANZANIA – In addressing significant fish loss and waste in Tanzania, the country’s government has adopted a more comprehensive and multidimensional strategy designed to tackle the root causes of fish loss across the entire supply chain.
Through the National Plan of Action, developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is implementing a multifaceted strategy encompassing policy reforms, regulatory enhancements, technological upgrades, infrastructure investments, and social equity measures.
The Multidimensional Solutions Strategy, supported by the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) initiative, aims to address these losses by promoting climate-smart technologies and sustainable practices.
This strategy includes upgrading landing sites, improving fishing gear, and establishing markets and hubs for best practices.
The country’s fishing industry is not only a vital source of livelihood for around 200,000 fishers working in coastal and freshwater bodies but also supports millions through related activities like processing, trading, and boat building.
The strategy also emphasises the importance of gender and youth inclusion, offering training and microcredit opportunities to empower these groups within fishing communities.
This focus on social equity is crucial for ensuring that the strategy’s benefits are widely shared, particularly among the most vulnerable.
One key area of implementation is the adoption of low-carbon technologies for drying and smoking fish, which not only reduces waste but also improves the quality and marketability of the fish.
This initiative, supported by the UK Government and led by WorldFish, involves a broad coalition of partners, including Tanzanian research institutions, NGOs, and women’s associations.
Tanzania’s innovative approach to reducing fish loss and waste could set a precedent for other nations, demonstrating the potential of fisheries to contribute significantly to sustainable development goals.
A key focus has been on the silver cyprinid ‘dagaa’ fishery, a vital source of protein and micronutrients for the local population. Despite its importance, this fishery has suffered significant losses.
To help the Tanzanian fish to enter the international market, marine biologist, Dr. Hadija Juma during an Interview with The Citizen (local news agent), observed that the government should support the sub-sector by putting in place the right infrastructure for sustainable fishing, proper handling and marketing.
