Malawi Pushes for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries to Boost Food Security
Sustainable management of small-scale fisheries is central to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, food security and sustainable use of marine resources.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi is calling for increased collaboration and interventions to promote a sustainable small-scale fisheries industry, citing its crucial role in ensuring food security, poverty eradication and sustainable development in the country, writes Ted Likombola.
Speaking on Wednesday at a High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Session on the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi stressed the importance of dialogue to improve and increase fish production.
He noted that small-scale fisheries provide employment to over 65,000 fishermen and support half a million people along the value chain.
"Despite its significance, I am not satisfied with the lack of recognition, underestimation of importance, and unaddressed challenges facing the department," Usi said.
"The National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries is needed to strengthen and promote small-scale fisheries."
Principal Secretary Yusufu Mkungula echoed Usi's remarks, emphasizing small-scale fisheries' role in enhancing food security, nutrition and socio-economic situations.
He said the dialogue aims to tackle challenges like overfishing, pollution and climate change.
Food and Agriculture Organization representative Dr. Zhujin Chen stressed the need for joint efforts and integrated actions among stakeholders to improve food security, nutrition, economic well-being and poverty eradication.
The dialogue coincided with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.
Small-scale fisheries employ over 90% of fishers globally and support the livelihoods of millions.
Sustainable management of small-scale fisheries is central to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, food security and sustainable use of marine resources.