The International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA) 2022 was a unique opportunity for collaboration, both large and small, to focus on the particular needs of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in Africa.

The challenges and solutions related artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in Africa were raised throughout the International Year, particularly at country and regional events across the continent.

The message is clear: the role of fishers, fish-farmers and fish-workers is central as custodians of aquatic resources for all. Artisanal fisheries and aquaculture may be small in scale but they are big in value.

This publication is a bookend to the International Year’s observance in Africa, as well as a starting point for future collaboration for and with Africa’s fishing communities. With an introduction by the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, this publication sets out a timeline of major events for IYAFA in Africa, showcases examples of FAO’s fisheries and aquaculture projects in Africa, and shares recommendations to support artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in Africa into the future.