The National Plan of Action for Small-Scale fisheries (NPOA-SSF) process proposes and describes various stages, steps, outputs and tools for developing and implementing an NPOA-SSF in a systematic and participatory way.
It pays particular attention to the participation of small-scale fisheries actors in the NPOA-SSF development process, which requires explicit recognition of the challenges faced by small-scale fisheries actors and their organizations in terms of effectively engaging in consultations.
FAO's NPOA-SSF also provides various templates, forms and tools that can be used by facilitators, managers, trainers and planners during the NPOA-SSF development process.
Supporting the implementation of the SSF Guidelines
The human rights-based approach to the governance of small-scale fisheries represents a major shift, and in order to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Content of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), FAO recommends that countries consider the development and implementation of National Plans of Action that support the implementation of the SSF Guidelines.
Stakeholder engagement and participation
The guiding principles of the SSF Guidelines require non-discriminatory and informed participation of small-scale fisheries communities, in transparent and rules-based decision-making processes, that are based on the recognition of their dignity and on the accountability of all actors involved. It is critical that this human rights-based approach is central to their implementation.
In support of this, FAO has developed the NPOA-SSF process to provide guidance on how to develop and implement a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). Stakeholder engagement and participation are key throughout the process of the NPOA-SSF development and implementation. The FAO's NPOA-SSF process thus also provides cross-cutting tools and guidance on stakeholder engagement.
Relevant Consultation resources
NPOA-SSF flyer
This flyer brings an overview about the National Plan of Action for Small-scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), which is a systematic approach to the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) at the national level, presenting the definitions, stages of implementation and FAO's support in the development of National Plans of Action for Small-scale Fisheries.
NPOA-SSF GUIDELINES
The United Republic of Tanzania has prepared a National Plan of action (NPoA) to ensure the effective implementation of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food ...
Developing and implementing a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) – Guide for trainers
A training programme around the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOASSF) has been developed to support these processes at national level. This guide for trainers was developed to be used along with the rest of trainings materials on how to to develop and implement an NPOA-SSF.
Developing and implementing a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) – Manual
This Manual was developed to provide guidance on how to develop and implement a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). These processes are unique in their kind because they ensure that the voices and concerns of small-scale fisheries are heard and allow them to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape their lives and livelihoods.
Namibia launches National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF)
The NPOA-SSF is government’s commitment towards actioning the implementation of the SSF Guidelines for Namibia’s fishers, fishing communities and Fisheries dependent communities.
National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries Uganda
Capture fisheries are very important in the Ugandan economy and contributed 625,000 tons of fish valued at UGX 2 trillion in 2022 which is next to coffee in agricultural export earnings. It provides nutritious food to 15 million and employs 5.3 million Ugandans. All fisheries in Uganda are small-scale and all the fish is produced by Small-scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW).
National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries Malawi
The National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) in Malawi stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment towards unleashing the potential of its small-scale fishing industry. As a cornerstone of Malawi’s economy and the lifeblood of countless rural fishing communities, the significance of small-scale fisheries cannot be overemphasized. Our efforts to overcome obstacles and usher in a new era of sustainable growth and prosperity are encapsulated in this plan
