Tanzania pioneers innovative strategy to tackle fish loss, waste

TANZANIA – Tanzania, long burdened by significant fish loss and waste, is now at the forefront of an innovative approach that could become a model for other nations. 

The country’s fishing industry is not only a vital source of livelihood for around 200,000 fishers working in coastal and freshwater bodies but also supports millions through related activities like processing, trading, and boat building. 

These small-scale fisheries nourish approximately 72% of the Tanzanian population, making their efficiency crucial for both food security and economic stability.

Despite its importance, the sector has faced severe challenges, with up to 40% of fish lost or wasted due to bycatch, inadequate facilities, and market pressures. 

Recognizing that technological solutions alone are insufficient, Tanzania has adopted a more comprehensive, multidimensional strategy to address these issues.

Comprehensive approach to reduce fish loss

Through the National Plan of Action, developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Tanzania is implementing a multifaceted strategy encompassing policy reforms, regulatory enhancements, technological upgrades, infrastructure investments, and social equity measures. 

This holistic approach is designed to tackle the root causes of fish loss across the entire supply chain.

A key focus has been on the ‘dagaa’ fishery, a vital source of protein and micronutrients for the local population. Despite its importance, this fishery has suffered significant losses. 

The Multidimensional Solutions Strategy, supported by the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) initiative, aims to address these losses by promoting climate-smart technologies and sustainable practices. 

This strategy includes upgrading landing sites, improving fishing gear, and establishing markets and hubs for best practices.

Empowering communities and enhancing sustainability

The strategy also emphasises the importance of gender and youth inclusion, offering training and microcredit opportunities to empower these groups within fishing communities. 

This focus on social equity is crucial for ensuring that the strategy’s benefits are widely shared, particularly among the most vulnerable.

One key area of implementation is the adoption of low-carbon technologies for drying and smoking fish, which not only reduces waste but also improves the quality and marketability of the fish. 

Additionally, the strategy includes enhancing market access through value addition and advocating for improved infrastructure. The goal is to create a sustainable and profitable dagaa fish value chain that can serve as a model for other fisheries.

The initiative was launched with a Theory of Change workshop in Dar es Salaam, bringing together stakeholders to map challenges and outline the necessary steps to ensure the interventions benefit small-scale fishers. 

This initiative, supported by the UK Government and led by WorldFish, involves a broad coalition of partners, including Tanzanian research institutions, NGOs, and women’s associations.

Tanzania’s innovative approach to reducing fish loss and waste could set a precedent for other nations, demonstrating the potential of fisheries to contribute significantly to sustainable development goals. 

The success of this strategy could provide valuable lessons for countries facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing fish loss and waste.

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