In support of Namibia’s efforts to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems, FAO has strengthened its collaboration with small-scale fisheries (SSF) communities through two Training of Trainers (ToT) and two supervised training workshops held in Keetmanshoop and Rund...

From 19 to 21 August, the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) took an important step for supporting a new generation of women leaders who aim to drive transformational change in Africa’s small-scale fisheries...

The final activity of the Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods project will be the Global Learning Exchange in Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania, from 18 to 20 November 2025...

The final quarterly meeting of the Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods project was held on 2 September 2025, bringing together national project coordinators from six countries, FAO colleagues, and partners...

Represented at plenary, panel and side events, the United Republic of Tanzania highlighted its National Plan of Action for the SSF Guidelines (NPoA-SSF) as a flagship example of rights-based, inclusive fisheries management.

The MARE Conference 2025 once again provided a space for scholars, practitioners, and community representatives from around the world to engage in dialogue on the complexities of marine governance. Among the wide-ranging topics discussed, small-scale fisheries (SSF) featured prominently—reflecting their crucial role in livelihoods, food security, and social-ecological resilience. 

Written by Mamadou Aliou Diallo, Head of Communications at the African Confederation of Artisanal Fishing Professional Organizations (CAOPA)

From June 9 to 13, 2025, the city of Nice (France) hosted the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Over the co...

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) signed a Letter of Agreement to host a regional capacity-building workshop in September 2025 to support the development of National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOAs-SSF) in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka...

The 13th edition of the MARE Conference, held from 24 to 27 June 2025, centered on the theme of balancing tensions and trade-offs toward continued transformations and long-term sustainable marine resource management and governance. This focus was particularly relevant to small-scale fisheries (SSF), whose communities often find themselves at the intersection of environmental pressures, social justice struggles, and the drive for economic development...

FAO staff from different teams in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division gathered at FAO headquarters for an internal workshop aimed at shaping the development of a new co-management guidance for small-scale fisheries (SSF)...

The workshop, facilitated by a team of FAO experts, guided small-scale fisheries (SSF) trainers and MFMR staff, through a series of theory and practical sessions. Topics covered included improved fish handling and processing practices, value addition, new product development, and financial management...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Duke University have renewed their commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and food security by signing an agreement to establish a five-year framework for joint initiatives to support small-scale fisheries worldwide.

Every day by the sea in Ifaty, a small tourist village in south-west Madagascar, a group of women gathers to talk. Their conversations often centre on family life – but just as frequently, they turn to work. All the women are fishmongers, and they regularly share experiences, problems, a...

Haura Mohamedi Saidi processes and sells fish in the Muleba District of the United Republic of Tanzania. With six of her children still living at home, the 54-year-old needs a steady income.

“I used to struggle to sell small amounts of fish before. It was hard to sell even 10 tins ...

In Cabo Verde, more than 1 500 women known as peixeiras, work daily to sell fish, sustaining their families and feeding their communities. They are resilient women who face multiple challenges to keep alive an activity that is vital for the country's food security.

Carla Ramos, 35, is ...

The meeting aimed at checkpointing on progress, as the project is about to reach its final semester. Most project logframe targets have been met or exceeded thanks to dedicated implementation teams in the various country offices and the collaboration with small-scale fisheries and government counterparts...

The official SSF Summit 2024 proceedings have now been published and are available in English, French, and Spanish. These comprehensive documents capture the key discussions, case studies, and policy recommendations that emerged from the Summit...

11 April 2025, Bangkok: Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are the backbone of many coastal and inland communities in Asia, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 46 million people. Women represent 40 percent of those involved in the sector, which contributes nearly half of the region’s total fi...

A Stakeholder’s Conference on Uganda’s National Plan of Action for Sustainable Small- Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) was held on 14th March 2025 at the Serena Conference Centre...

In Ifaty, a small tourist village near Toliara in Madagascar, a group of determined women has taken control of their future. Their story is one of solidarity, mutual support, and hope for a better tomorrow—not just for themselves but for their entire community...