On the lively shores of Kenya and East Africa, small-scale fisheries are the backbone of local life, keeping families fed and economies afloat. But despite their crucial role in sustaining everyday life, they have had to tackle a wave of significant challenges.
In-depth issues
The coastal waters of Kenya are brimming with life and opportunity, contributing over Ksh 24 billion (€205 million) in fish to the national economy each year. Despite supporting approximately 1.1 million people, including fishers, traders, processors, and suppliers, this sector has been facing many obstacles.
For the coastal communities, fishing is more than just a job; it’s their way of life. But this life has been threatened by a rising tide of problems. Overfishing and dwindling biodiversity are casting shadows over their daily bread, deepening poverty and amplifying food insecurity. Despite efforts to introduce Beach Management Units (BMUs) in 2007, the reality has been far from ideal. They still lacked proper data, had scarce resources, and limited expertise, which led to the patchy management of small-scale fisheries.
Anchoring solutions
In an attempt to address these gaps through a multi-faceted approach, the KECOFISH project was set in motion, seeking both immediate relief and long-term sustainability.
Spearheaded by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in collaboration with various partners, this project has been promoting sustainable small-scale fisheries in Kenya and the region. Efforts included strengthening fisheries co-management, capacity building, sustainable fishing techniques, data collection pilots, and supporting fisheries cooperatives. With a vision for sustainable blue growth and improved living conditions by 2030, WWF’s project has been weaving a tapestry of solutions to address the complex issues that these vital waters face.
One of KECOFISH’s standout strategies was the introduction of mobile technology for data collection. By deploying mobile phone systems across 10 BMUs, the project’s aim was to create a real-time flow of accurate data to guide fisheries management decisions. This advancement promised to enhance local compliance with regulations, support seasonal closures, and manage fishing areas more effectively.
By expanding Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to 20 communities and offering financial literacy training, particularly to women, KECOFISH was nurturing economic resilience and stability. These VSLAs, coupled with small business training, were designed to spark sustainable economic opportunities, improve market access, and combat poverty while enhancing food security.
Net results
The impact of KECOFISH was already making waves. Seven BMUs have been trained in mobile fisheries data collection, equipped with essential tools like mobile phones and weighing scales. This training has laid the foundation for robust data systems in Kwale and Lamu, offering valuable insights in regards to fish catches and resource management.
By focusing on leadership and governance within BMUs, KECOFISH is fostering better management practices and decision-making processes. The exploration of solar-powered ice provision and collaboration with regional teams to discover best practices further illustrates KECOFISH’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Through this project, the WWF is paving the way for Kenya’s future.It stands as a testament to the power of dedicated effort in reshaping the small-scale fisheries sector.
