Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second largest lake by volume. Millions of people rely on the lake’s rich aquatic biodiversity reserves for food and income.  

Today, two-thirds of catches are sold fresh in local markets, and smoked, dried or frozen for domestic consumption. One-third is exported to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.  

However, post-harvest losses, climate change and poor fishing methods are threatening the future of fishing on the lake. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a further cause of declining yields. 

FISH4ACP is supporting Tanzania to strengthen its position as a main producer of Lake Tanganyika sardine, sprat and perch. It promotes sustainably managed value chains, bolstering income and employment opportunities and contributing to the conservation of Lake Tanganyika’s natural resources. 

FISH4ACP works to increase incomes of small-scale fishers, processors and traders, particularly women, by investing in improved fish handling and processing methods and by upgrading business models to access high-value markets, while contributing to poverty reduction, food security and the conservation of natural resources.