Role of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPO’s) in facilitating inclusive financial services for small-scale fisheries (SSF)

Press Brief: 26 April 2022

Webinar Talk Series - CAFI SSF Network- APRACA

The webinar on “Role of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPO’s) in facilitating inclusive financial services for small-scale fisheries (SSF)” was organized by the Global Network for capacity building to increase access   of small-scale fisheries to financial services – CAFI SSF Network, in association with Asia and Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) on 26 April 2022. Around  80 participants from financial services industry, fisherfolk associations, government agency and academic institutions attended the virtual event from Europe, Asia & Africa regions.

The Chief Guest for the event  Dr. Raymon van Anrooy Senior Fishery Officer, Fishing Operations and Technology Branch, FAO gave an overview to participants on International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA2022) and how financial service providers and fisher/fish farmer producer organizations can get involved and organize a IYAFA2022 activity.

The distinguished panel of speakers were representatives from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services (ARIAS) Society. These institutions have played a significant role in developing fisheries and aquaculture in India, particularly small-scale fisheries, and aquaculture producers. Each of the speakers shared their institutions experience of best practices, development process and success stories that enhanced the fish productivity and support provided to the FFPOs to sustain and scale-up

The insightful and informative discussion focused on following aspects:

• how Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) is one of the innovative approaches to increase and provide end-to-end support and services with respect to technical inputs (feed and seed supply, training), processing, marketing, and provide access to financial advice and services for  small-scale fishers and fish farmers.
• how financial institutions provide credit and non-credit interventions to support  FFPOs that have large member base of primary producers,
• how capacity building programs can increase awareness of small-scale fish producers to access finance and tap market opportunities in fish value chain.

The online session picture and recording link is shared here.