©FAO/Luis Costa

16 December 2020, São Vicente, Cabo Verde – Ground-breaking new research conducted by the FAO’s Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in West Africa unveils ways to support Cabo Verde to improve the governance and value chains of its fisheries sector.

The assessment into the factors leading to a massive demise in fish stocks in recent years found that while over half of the fisheries resources in waters off West Africa were placed under ongoing strain – such practices could be transformed into sustainable initiatives.

Two workshops were held in October on the islands of Maio and São Vincent to share the main results of the studies exploring the legal framework of fisheries and value chain analysis with key stakeholders. 

The FAO studies – launched despite the complications created by the COVID-19 pandemic – showcase some of the challenges faced by the industry in trying to enhance the development of small-scale fishing.

“The CFI’s activities aim to illustrate the potential of the fisheries value chain, with a view to safeguarding our populations’ ability to be as productive as possible and nurture nutritious food systems,” said the CFI’s National Project Officer on Cabo Verde, Maria Edelmira Carvalho.

The CFI is instrumental in enabling FAO to meet its’ objectives in supporting countries to advance the governance of coastal fisheries while bolstering the participation of all actors in the decision-making process.

“By developing strategic political alliances for coastal fishing from a holistic perspective, integrating development measures across social, cultural and economic areas we can transform the performance of our fisheries,” added Carvalho.

Cultivating community fishermen's associations in small-scale fisheries

@FAO/Luis Costa

FAO says the findings represent an important tool to build robust legislation enhancing association’s capacities to confront some of the problematics of small-scale fisheries by setting up co-management programmes.

Stumbling blocks include inadequate landing sites with poor health and safety conditions, fragile transportation techniques, and the sale of produce on streets on the island of Maio without ice to conserve the protein-packed product. Artisanal fish processing was also found to be carried out under precarious conditions.

The studies call on fishermen groups to adopt innovative new fishing methods to protect local ecosystems, equity, and gender equality.

“The creation of a mechanism for participation and permanent dialogue between all the actors of public, private and civil society involved in the value chain of coastal fishing symbolises a major milestone,” said FAO Representative in Cabo Verde, Ana Laura Touza.

It is hoped that the research will be used to monitor and evaluate the sector’s performance as it recovers from the impacts of the health pandemic which hit food systems and supply chains around the world.

Bucking the trend: Stemming the culture of over-fishing on Cabo Verde.

Cabo Verde is comprised of ten islands and nine islets, lying some 500 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. Up to eighty percent of the population live near the coast, meaning fisheries represent a large part of the food supply, nutritional intake, and economy.

Yet existing fishing practices have come under fire from stakeholders for contributing to the over-exploitation of some of the country’s stocks.

The CFI’s evaluation serves as a guideline for communities to contribute to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by applying the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and, the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (VGSSF), in addition to the gender-focused approach.

Such methods have a track record of reinforcing fisheries governance and value chains by implementing reforms that protect marine and coastal environments, allowing fish-dependent groups to earn a living wage.

Looking ahead with hope on the horizon

Scarce in natural resources, prone to drought and with little arable land, the COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented threat to the archipelago of Cabo Verde, whose people depend on imports from other countries for their livelihoods.

In line with the suggestions of the CFI study, FAO and partners will carry out activities to make the island’s coastal fisheries more resilient. Improving fisheries governance and management, strengthening seafood value chains and adopting models of best practice stand centre-stage to this mission.