FAO advances efforts to strengthen social protection for fishers and fish workers

Praia, Cabo Verde  

On 19 and 21 January 2026, FAO brought together representatives from the Ministry of the Sea, the Ministry of Family, Inclusion and Social Development, other government entities, fishers’ associations researchers other UN agencies to discuss how to strengthen social protection for people who fish, process and sell the catch. The mission is part of FAO’s broader effort to align social protection with fisheries policy. 

Cabo Verde has expanded social protection coverage in recent years, with most of the population benefiting from at least one measure. However, only about 13 percent of fishers are registered in the national social security system, leaving many without access to pensions, sickness or unemployment benefits. Closing this gap is at the center of FAO’s mission. 

Two key events framed the week. A national workshop on 19 January to share experiences and define practical steps, and a session on 21 January to review and validate a study documenting barriers fishers and fish workers face in accessing social protection and micro-insurance. Discussions also addressed policy reforms, data systems, and the growing impact of climate risks on livelihoods. 

^{Daniela Kalikoski, FAO Fishery Officer}

One concrete measure under development is a national registry for fishers and fishmongers. This tool will help authorities identify eligible workers, understand household realities and connect people to the right programmes. Better data will support faster, fairer delivery of benefits and help formalize parts of the sector; a prerequisite for accessing contributory schemes. FAO is supporting this work with the Ministry of the Sea and the Ministry of Family, Inclusion and Social Development. 

To coordinate efforts, Cabo Verde established an inter-institutional working group in 2025, bringing together ministries, fishers’ associations and civil society to identify obstacles and ensure solutions reflect local realities. 

Community representatives who took part in the workshop highlighted the importance of these efforts. José Adriano de Livramento, President of the Palmeira Fishers and Fishmongers Association, explained that although many members are already enrolled in social security, “the lack of bank accounts and greater financial literacy are still major barriers”. He also noted that “fish preservation remains one of our biggest challenges” because during peak seasons everything must be sold the same day. 

Ana Cristina, Fishmonger and President of the Achada Grande Frente Fishers and Fishmongers Association in Praia, shared that “being enrolled ensures access to health benefits, pensions and family allowances” and emphasized that all fishers and fishmongers should be covered. She also highlighted the need for insurance for fishing gear so that workers do not depend on others when equipment is lost or damaged. 

_{Ana Cristina, Fishmonger and President of the Achada Grande Frente Fishers and Fishmongers Association} 

Francisco, community representative in Santa Cruz on Santiago Island, pointed to persistent challenges that keep fishers outside the system. He explained that “a lack of information, motivation and financial literacy” continues to limit enrolment and that many artisanal fishers still lack a professional license or even a bank account. 

Fisheries and aquaculture are vital for food security, jobs, and cultural identity in Cabo Verde, but they are increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks. Linking social protection with fisheries management helps communities absorb these shocks and sustain livelihoods, in line with FAO’s Blue Transformation strategy to strengthen resilience and improve living conditions.