Alphonso with a smoked African tigerfish caught from Terekeka. ©FAO/Daniel Chaplin.

Alphonso Lado Modi lives in Terekeka, a town nestled along the western bank of the White Nile, 85 km north of South Sudan’s capital, Juba. It is one of the country’s key fishery hubs, with fish being caught during the dry season (January to March) using locally manufactured nets and hooks. Indeed, the South Sudanese fisheries industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the food security and nutritional well-being of the country's population. According to recent assessments, the average annual fish consumption rate is 17 kg per person[1].

Several years ago, Alphonso attempted to establish a fish-selling business. Unfortunately, he faced challenges in catching enough fish to make the venture profitable due to a lack of both knowledge and necessary equipment. For instance, the absence of fishing equipment suppliers in Terekeka forces fisherfolk to obtain their fishing gear from Juba. However, this is often impractical, especially for those belonging to island fishing communities. As such, unable to generate income from his fish-selling business, Alphonso and his family frequently relied on the limited catch for day-to-day sustenance and to keep hunger at bay.

In 2021, Alphonso was chosen to participate in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) Fisher Community Resilience Enhancement Project, generously funded by the Netherlands. The goal of the project is to contribute to food and nutrition security through a coordinated, conflict-sensitive, and environmentally sustainable approach that enhances fishery resource management, optimizes value chains, and improves supply and access to quality fish products in Terekeka as well as Bor. 

“Before FAO’s project, I struggled to catch more fish” Alphonso reflects. Following comprehensive training in fish harvest and handling techniques, business development, and understanding value chains, coupled with the provision of fishing equipment such as hooks and nets, Alphonso has successfully transformed his fish-selling business. "Now I have been able to expand my fresh and smoked fish-selling business," he declares. 

He sells his fish to customers in Juba, as well as traders who come to Terekeka “I sell one heap (approximately 4 kg) for SSP 6 000 (USD 4.2),” he says, as he picks up and shows a prized smoked African tigerfish. This thriving venture has not only allowed Alphonso to support his family but has also enabled him to send all five of his children (three girls and two boys) to school, acquire land, and start the construction of a new home for his loved ones. 

This transformative initiative has empowered Alphonso with the skills to effectively manage and utilize his natural resources sustainably through training and the provision of essential fishing equipment. As the Secretary General of the Boat Management Committee, Alphonso plays a pivotal role in his community, contributing significantly to its well-being. Additionally, he has shared the knowledge acquired through the project with his family and friends, fostering a broader impact within his social circle. “There are many unemployed youth [in Terekeka] who could benefit from FAO’s training”, he states. 

Alphonso Lado Modi's story reflects not just a personal triumph but also a broader impact on the community of Terekeka. The transformative FAO’s Fisher Community Resilience Enhancement Project has enabled Alphonso to improve his family's living standards. Through sharing his newfound knowledge, he has become a catalyst for positive change within his social circle. Alphonso's dedication and the ripple effects of the project highlight the potential for sustainable development and community well-being, painting a brighter future for Terekeka that leaves no one behind.