1. Partnering for implementation
The implementation of the SSF Guidelines will require engagement and partnerships across different institutions, organizations and actors as the SSF Guidelines implementation does not only require the involvement by fishers but takes into consideration also the role and needs of those around them. Fishing communities, CSOs, academia, NGOs, governments, regional organizations, donors and international agencies and organizations all need to work together - but different actors may have different roles to play to address issues in relation to fisheries governance, gender, post-harvest, consumer interests, wider societal interests, etc. Please share any experiences, both good or bad as well as lessons learned related to partnerships in the implementation of international instruments
- How do you see the role of your organization and others in the implementation of the SSF Guidelines?
On partnering for implementation, KWDT and other civil society organizations can create partnerships at the country level with the relevant ministries, CBOs and other actors in the fishing sector, to brainstorm, in form of workshops, on how the guidelines can be aligned with our local laws, policies and sector guidelines.
Most important is that KWDT and other similar organization are already working with rural communities and thus reach the most marginalized fisher communities, enabling integrating of the SSF implementation in the ongoing cso programs and enabling involvement of those at the risk of being marginalized out of the process.
CSO organization like KWDT can engage in the design of the SSF Guidelines implementation manual
- How can partnerships be fostered and strengthened to include the ‘voices of the marginalized?
Measures need to be put in place that will facilitate inclusion of all to participate in decision making especially women. Holding consultation meeting in localities and in local languages, special consultation for women only, consultation on the processes of strengthening and including the marginalized so that they have a decision on how to make their voices heard.
Support, facilitation and strengthen civil society networks and their member organizations.
Put in place measures that will increase the contribution of civil society
organizations to the design of implementing the guidelines
- What will be required at local, national, regional and global levels to ensure effective and efficient partnerships?
At all levels measures have to be put in place to ensure effective and efficient partnerships that include
- Access to financial resources that will support interaction and communication between partners.
- Create an conducive environment for partnerships through – collaboration in the implementation of a capacity building programme for rural leaders (Social movements, cso, ngos) with focus on women.
- Support the establishment of the stakeholder’s platforms at various levels that are of mutual and complementary benefits.
2. Information and communication – promoting experience sharing and collaboration
Continuous learning and sharing of experiences will be of utmost importance for effective implementation. Available lessons learnt, best practices and tools should be used and reinventing the wheel avoided, but at the same time the local context may differ to such a degree that specific tools and solutions must be developed. Monitoring of progress will be important to keep track of what is working (and what is not) and participatory monitoring and evaluation systems and relevant statistics can help making information available and shared.
- What best practices with regard to communication would you recommend for SSF Guidelines implementation at local, national, regional and global level?
Use of the drama, community dialogues, will enhance communication and create awareness on the IG SSF. KWDT carries out community dialogues on WASH that empower community members to demand for improved service delivery from their leaders.
On information and communication, KWDT can work hand in hand with FAO country offices and the line ministry to disseminate the guidelines through sensitization meetings at the country and community level.
At the global level, the utilization of the global platform for fisher folk organizations; World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish workers, World forum of Fisher People, International Collective in support of fisher) will enable flow and sharing information.
- What are your experiences from participatory monitoring and evaluation?
Participatory monitoring and evaluation creates ownership of results to the communities.
Establish measures of developing monitoring and evaluation approaches that are inclusive.
- How can progress in implementing the SSF Guidelines be measured and reported in a useful way?
Measure of the progress of the implementation of the SSF guidelines should not only consider quantitative data but also qualitative data should be given due consideration.
Civil society organizations, like KWDT should have the opportunity to report back on the progress of implementing on the SSF Guidelines.
3. Challenges and opportunities – needs for support and interventions
There will be implementation challenges (e.g. financial, political, institutional, cultural) to address but also opportunities to capitalize on. These may vary from one context to another and also differ between the global, regional, national and local levels. Understanding these challenges and opportunities will be important for identifying and designing support activities. The implementation of the SSF Guidelines will need a mix of different types of interventions, including – but not necessarily limited to – the strengthening of political commitment and awareness raising, changes in policies, revisions of legislation and/or regulations, development of capacity and empowerment, improving and sharing information, and strengthened research and communication.
- What do you think the main implementation challenges are, generally as well as in a specific country context, and how could they be overcome?
- Political influence and lack of political will at national level.
- Illiteracy levels of each country will determine capacity of rural communities to understand, and generate interest in the implementation of the guidelines.
- What are your experiences of addressing these types of challenges and what have been successful or unsuccessful strategies and approaches?
Strengthen civil society organizations at all levels to support and empower fisher communities.
- How would interventions vary, depending on the time frame (e.g. what can be done within the next 12 months, in the next 5 years, in the long term) and depending on the existing resources (e.g. small/medium investments or large/transformative investments)?
- The first intervention is to create awareness on the SSG
- Translation and popularizing of the simplified manuals
- Training leaders of social movements to enhance their capacity to mobilize fisher communities.
Katosi Women Development Trust