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Policy brief: Unlocking the value of Namibia’s small-scale fisheries sector through policy action

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Windhoek, Namibia ;

Pages 4p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Policy brief

Synopsis (short abstract) Namibia's small-scale fisheries sector, a cornerstone of the country's economy and social fabric, faces challenges related to unsustainable practices, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access. To address these challenges and harness the sector's immense potential, this policy brief proposes a set of recommendations: 1. Establish a regulatory framework for sustainable resource management and equitable distribution of benefits through a sustainable small-scale fisheries law. 2. Foster a sense of ownership and accountability by creating a Small-Scale Fisheries Advisory Council, ensuring meaningful participation of small-scale fishers in decision-making processes. 3. Empower women and enhance their participation in the sector by promoting gender-transformative approaches in small-scale fisheries. 4. Recognize and protect the rights of small-scale fishers through rights-based management approaches for small-scale fisheries, ensuring equitable access to resources, markets, and decision-making processes. 5. Enhance post-harvest handling, processing, and storage facilities, strengthen market linkages, and facilitate access to finance for small-scale fishers by improving the small-scale fisheries value chain. By implementing these recommendations, Namibia can unlock the immense value of its small-scale fisheries sector, promoting sustainable development, food security, and poverty reduction, while ensuring the long-term viability of this vital industry.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2024. Policy brief: Unlocking the value of Namibia's small-scale fisheries sector. Windhoek.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9067en

Language English

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