Towards the implementation of the SSF Guidelines in Eastern Africa: Proceedings of the East Africa Consultation Workshop on Improving Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15-18 September 2015

Abstract

Following the endorsement of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) by the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in June 2014 and in line with paragraph 13.6 of the document itself, promoting the development regional plans of action for their implementation, a regional workshop was held in Eastern Africa to discuss implementation of the SSF Guidelines. The East Africa Consultation Workshop on im proving small-scale fisheries in the context of food security and poverty eradication was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 15-18 September 2015. It was hosted by the FAO Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa. The workshop was attended by a total of 38 participants from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, including representatives of governments, regional organisations, Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), Civil Society Organization (CSOs), NGOs, res earch institutions, academia, other relevant other non-state actors as well as FAO staff and resource persons. The workshop noted that small-scale fisheries employ the bulk of fishers and fish workers in the region and contribute substantially to food security and livelihoods through their role in providing nutritious food and generating local and national incomes. Inland fisheries are particularly important in many countries of the region. There are many aquatic resources, including freshwater and marine resources, that are shared by two or several countries and the regional aspects of small-scale fisheries are hence important. The overall objective of the workshop was to facilitate the understanding of the principles of the SSF Guidelines and their application in order to support sustainable small-scale fisheries and Blue Growth. During the three and a half days, participants examined the current status of small-scale fisheries in the region and shared experiences through country and topical presentations, and discussed priorities and actions for implementing the SSF Guidelines at regional and national levels.