Multidimensional solutions strategy for the reduction of food loss and waste in the artisanal fisheries subsector in Tumaco, Colombia
This multidimensional solutions strategy for reducing the losses is a comprehensive, multisectoral approach aimed at addressing the challenges and maximizing the potential of the artisanal fisheries subsector in Tumaco, Colombia, located in the department of Nariño on the Pacific coast. It strives to tackle the significant losses with a strong emphasis on promoting the responsible use of fisheries resources for sustainable development. The strategy's design is based on the robust foundation of assessment findings, extensive engagement of stakeholders, and a thorough understanding of the underlying causes and impacts of food loss and waste (FLW).
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
- interest on the part of key actors in managing losses;
- identification of the actors and tasks carried out in each link of the chain;
- identification of the actors and tasks carried out in each link of the chain;
- knowledge by local actors of the socioeconomic and cultural context;
- existence of a wide institutional offer (public and private) with intervention actions in the territory; availability of methodologies and instruments for measuring food losses in the small-scale fishing value chain;
- existence of a regulatory framework for rural women with methodologies, tools and instruments that facilitate their integration into the value chain (gender);
- and direct influence of consumer habits on the need to improve product quality.
- deficient equipment and supplies in the marketing chain;
- deficient knowledge for the use and exploitation of by-products;
- poor public service infrastructure;
- deficiency in the application of policies in the community for artisanal fishing;
- little interinstitutional coordination in the territory (local technical board and fishing node);
- limited capacity for associative work;
- disinterest of new generations (young people);
- difficulty of access to protection systems;
- precarious academic programmes on issues of management of fishing products and by-products;
- deficient control and surveillance actions to monitor catch discards;
- low level of interoperability between information systems, such as SEPEC, Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), Caribbean Center for Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research (CIOH), and Marine Environmental Information System (SIAM);
- poor application of good fishing and catch management practices;
- lack of recognition and dignity of the role of women in fishing;
- poor disposal of solid waste as a source of pollution;
- impact on the environment with unused organic waste; and
- difficulty in obtaining financing sources for the assembly and implementation of waste utilization initiatives.
- interest of the academy in being linked to the participatory solution of problems;
- strategies to strengthen the chain;
- improvement of working conditions, as well as technical and operational capabilities;
- global environmental awareness on the effect of food losses;
- use of renewable energies and new technologies;
- inclusion of a fish and shellfish loss and waste module in national statistical systems, and creation of public-private partnerships (PPPs), such as the Colombian Fishing Statistical Service (SEPEC) and National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (AUNAP);
- implementation of public fishing policy;
- expansion of services adapted to territorial needs;
- interest of the chain in directing research towards this topic;
- expansion of dissemination and institutional offer (public and private);
- take advantage of spaces and resources to collect data on the role of women in the value chain;
- strengthen networks of trainers;
- generate ventures with the support of institutional presence (National Learning Service [SENA] – Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation);
- create and strengthen capacities for fishing communities;
- expand dissemination and alliances;
- collaborate across institutions (public/private);
- use Tumaco as a pilot municipality and reference at the regional and national level;
- create opportunities to strengthen the role of women in the value chain;
- develop incentives for generational renewal in artisanal fishing activities;
- create a collection centre that allows the use and transformation of products and by-products of artisanal fishing (due to the existence of the fishing port and the strategic location of Tumaco); and
- possibly finance the reactivation of the fishing port (Fund for the Financing of the Agricultural Sector [FINAGRO]; private and public sector).
- high vulnerability to variability and climate change;
- high costs in the billing of energy resources and fuels;
- transportation logistics in the hands of third parties;
- market requirements (organoleptic conditions of the product);
- deficiency in the provision of public services;
- pollution and deterioration of water sources;
- drug trafficking;
- public order problems; and
- road blockage due to natural phenomena.
Vision
By 2033, Tumaco will be a model municipality of a consolidated strategy to reduce 30 percent of losses in the small-scale fishing value chain, which contributes to the improvement of livelihoods, as well as the food and nutritional security of fishers and other members of society.
To stimulate the spirit of community, entrepreneurship and collective governance, the actions will be aimed at:
- updating and implementing public policies;
- the generation and transfer of knowledge;
- access to sustainable infrastructure with appropriate technology; and
- the development of new products, market diversification and differential focus.
Specific objectives
Outputs and outcomes
Outputs | Outcomes |
· Training courses on responsible fishing strategies and the design, construction and operation of selective fishing gear (depending on the relevant environmental context) · Assessment of the environmental impact of harmful fishing gear (e.g. changa, ruches, chinchorros and explosives) in the local context · Adoption and appropriation of better fishing and manufacturing practices by fishers on board vessels · Training courses on economic topics to determine fair selling prices (financial education, self-perception of costs and recognition of decent work) · Training on safety issues at sea to strengthen responsible fishing strategies · Provision of vessels with efficient conservation systems (cold conservation equipment) and training in raw material treatment | Fishers will adopt responsible fishing strategies, and improve handling and conservation of raw materials with the application of safety and quality standards, as well as the required financial education |
· Promotion of meetings between fishers and experts in good practices for the treatment of raw materials (select markets) for the socialization and exchange of regional and national experiences, which allow for learning about experiences and lessons learned | Fishers will increase their capabilities through exchanges of experiences related to product handling on board
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· Differential prices: added value due to responsible origin and quality · Implementation of different payment methods (short term: less than 15 days) | Fair trade will promote responsible fishing with incentives from the markets
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· Acquisition of knowledge of current fishing regulations and responsible consumption · Generation of strategic alliances between marketers and fishers with a view to diversify markets · Minimization of intermediation in the value chain · Adoption of technological tools for person-to-person (P2P) commerce · Strengthening capabilities in the transformation of products and by-products | Marketing of fishing products that meet quality standards and promote responsible consumption
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· Diversification of the market with profitable products · Generation of capabilities (knowledge, infrastructure, technology) | Economic initiatives focused on the use of by-products
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· Implementation of a communication strategy on responsible consumption habits | Fishing products that meet quality and environmental sustainability standards for consumption |
· Updating and strengthening the strategy of the fishing and aquaculture nodes, linking other sectoral strategies (National Learning Service [SENA] sectoral table) | Government agencies will facilitate inclusive participation and advocacy mechanisms that strengthen local governance
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· Designing a strategy for prioritizing productive initiatives to promote sustainable infrastructure with appropriate technology, including monitoring and tracking systems | Available resources (infrastructure, information systems) will be used efficiently
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· Designing a training and certification strategy for human talent in organizations (good fishing and handling practices, entrepreneurship, finance, soft skills – assertive communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, effective leadership) | Capabilities of organizations will be strengthened
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Conclusion
This multidimensional solutions strategy was validated and endorsed by the Interinstitutional Panel on Aquatic Food Losses and Waste (PIPDA) and the Government of Colombia. It is being implemented by different relevant stakeholders through the joint leadership of the Institute of Marine and Coastal Research (INVEMAR), National Confederation of Artisanal Fishermen of Colombia (COMENALPAC), National University of Colombia (UNAL) and support from the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (AUNAP). Applying this strategy should enhance the efficiency, resilience and profitability of the artisanal fisheries subsector while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring food security. It can be used to attract further investment to complete all of the activities and outputs proposed.
Additional related materials and articles
Multidimensional solutions to reduce losses and waste of fish in Colombia
Fish loss in the artisanal fisheries subsector in Tumaco, Colombia