The Contribution of Small-Scale Fisheries to Healthy Food Systems and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Southern African Development Community
Introduction
This report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2024, focuses on the role of small-scale fisheries in promoting healthy food systems and sustainable livelihoods within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Key Contributions
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Production and Governance
- Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to regional fish production. For instance, in 2021, the SADC region produced approximately 2,000,000 metric tons of fish.
- The average annual fish catches from small-scale fisheries in the SADC region amount to around 1,500,000 metric tons.
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Economic Benefits
- Small-scale fisheries generate substantial economic benefits, supporting various value chains. For example, the contribution of small-scale fisheries to the GDP of SADC countries is notable.
- The number of people dependent on small-scale fisheries in the SADC region is estimated at over 15 million, indicating a significant reliance on this sector.
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Food Security and Nutrition
- Small-scale fisheries play a crucial role in food security and nutrition. Fish from small-scale fisheries contribute to the recommended daily intake of essential nutrients for adults aged 19 to 50 years.
- The nutritional value of the top five fish species caught by small-scale fisheries in the SADC region is high, providing key micronutrients and macronutrients.
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Drivers of Change
- Several factors influence the dynamics of small-scale fisheries in the SADC region, including climate change, policy changes, and market trends.
Recommendations
- The report suggests developing policies and plans to better safeguard and enhance the contribution of small-scale fisheries to sustainable development within the SADC region.
- Specific recommendations include improving governance structures, enhancing community-based management, and integrating small-scale fisheries into broader food security strategies.
Figures and Maps
- Figure 1: Map of SADC member states and major waterbodies.
- Figure 5: Average annual fish catches from small-scale fisheries in the SADC region.
- Figure 8: Number of people dependent on small-scale fisheries in the SADC region.
- Figure 12: Contribution of small fish from small-scale fisheries to the recommended daily intake of nutrients for adult women in the SADC region.
- Figure 14: Map showing fish supply and the contribution of fish to animal protein supply in the SADC region.
Conclusion
The report emphasizes the importance of small-scale fisheries in ensuring healthy food systems and sustainable livelihoods in the SADC region. It calls for concerted efforts to protect and enhance these contributions through targeted policies and interventions.
Note: The report includes additional sections such as appendices, boxes, and references, which provide detailed insights and supplementary data.