Through a micro-blog and the hashtag #covid_ssf and in collaboration with its partners, CFFA will publish news on the impacts of this crisis on African small-scale fisheries, and the measures authorities and fishing communities are implementing
The COVID-19 epidemic, and the measures taken to combat it, are proving increasingly challenging for men and women active in the African artisanal fisheries. From the fisher to the fish processors and fish traders - most of which are women-, all the people active in the artisanal fisheries value chain are negatively affected by the current crisis. The restrictions imposed in most African countries to the assembling of people, the circulation of people and goods, and the closing down of traditional markets for artisanal fisheries products, are making access to fish difficult to the neediest. Because of the lack of facilities and equipment, maintaining the hygiene to fight the epidemic is also complicated on board the vessels, in fish landing sites, processing sites and markets.
Women in African artisanal fisheries are particularly hard hit as they earn a living on a day-by-day basis. How can they put food on the table for their dependents when their processing activity is reduced by a curfew? Or when the strict confinement at home hampers their access to raw material ?
Artisanal fishing professional organisations have taken action. In many places, these organisations are sensitizing on the necessary hygiene and distancing measures that fishworkers have to respect. In some cases, they have provided preventive sanitary kits for anyone who is active in the artisanal fisheries value chain. Professional organisations are also calling on decision makers to find ways that will allow small-scale fisheries to continue their essential activities: cash-flow support, fish distribution channels, etc.
For many organisations, this crisis should be an opportunity to improve long term sanitary and working conditions for men and women in the sector. The African artisanal fishing sector products provide an affordable and irreplaceable source of proteins and key nutrients (vitamins and amino acids) to the population. Thriving fishing communities are key for national food security. More than ever before, in this time of crisis, the right decisions have to be taken to support sustainable artisanal fisheries development in Africa.
Through a micro-blogging and the hashtag #Covid_ssf on our Twitter account, we will publish news, in collaboration with our partner CAOPA, on the impacts of the epidemic on small-scale fisheries and on the actions artisanal fishermen and women are taking to face the challenges. The aim is to look into how sustainable artisanal fisheries continue to play its role as a pillar of food security in Africa in the middle of this worldwide health crisis.