2. Small-scale fisheries
SSFs and the role they play in the economy, poverty reduction
as well as improvement of food security is the subject of more attention at
national but also global level. The conversations around SSFs emerged in the
early 00's when the FAO started publishing reports about the predicaments of
small-scale fisherfolks and became an important subject in 2008 with the first
Global Conference on Small-Scale Fisheries organized by the FAO and
held in Bangkok. Sierra Leone, included SSFs and fishery in its policies and
PRSP substantially only in 2008 with the AfC. Today, SSFs are regulated at all
levels more or less adequately. Notably, through The Code at
international level but also the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development (Rio+20), The Future We Want. The Future We Want is a
document elaborated by 192 head of States and the international civil society,
with the objective of supporting the sustainable use of natural resources
amongst other goals. Reprising elements of the Voluntary Guidelines for the
Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context
of National Food Security (VG Tenure), it is particularly important
because it insists on the role of SSFs regarding sustainable development of
fisheries, the participants committed to:
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«observe the need to ensure access to fisheries, and
the importance of access to markets, by subsistence, small-scale and artisanal
fishers and women fish workers, as well as indigenous peoples and their
communities particularly in developing countries, especially small island
developing States.» (UN, The Future We Want 2012)
During the conference, the participants established the
groundwork for the future Sustainable Development Goals which would eventually
take shape 3 years later. (FAO 2014)
«The fish is produced in our waters and the people of
Sierra Leone should have the first
option». (Charles Rogers,
2016)
In an effort to help the domestic fishery sector, the Deputy
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (DMFMR) decide to impose a ban on
fish exports. Authorities have suggested that the purpose of this ban was to
anticipate an impending stock shortage (Cham 2016). However, the ban was short
lived and lifted 19 days later. According to the DMFMR, the ban was short but
efficient as domestic fish stocks replenished, but the benefits of the ban were
never proven to be beneficial towards domestic fish market or fisherfolks. It
also caused mixed responses. While some agreed with the DMFMR's statement
others didn't appreciate the unexpected decision and a lack of communication
about the ban lift caused fisherfolks to maintain it and therefore prevented
themselves from selling the fish at a higher price (World Bulletin 2016).
3. Highly nutritious and important for vulnerable
households
«Globally fish provides about three billion people
with almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of animal
protein» (FAO 2014)
In Sierra Leone fish protein provides 80% of animal protein
intake highlighting the importance of fish in Sierra Leoneans' diet (FAO 2004).
New studies show that fisheries contribute in fact to the improvement of food
security and nutrition while also pointing out the plausible risks of
unsustainable practices (Srinivas, et al. 2010). Fish and fishery play a
particularly important role in developing countries (FAO 2014). The average
daily dietary input of fish is modest with about 33 calories per capita. Yet,
in countries like Sierra Leone it can surpass 150 calories per
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capita, especially when there are no other possibilities or
when a fish preference has been adopted and upheld. Fish, shellfish and other
by-products serve as a precious source of animal protein. The consumption of a
portion as small as 150g can contribute to approximatively 50 to 60% of the
required daily protein intake for an adult. Relatively poor fisherfolks depend
largely on staple food and use fish to adjust the imbalance of their diet (FAO
2014). Rice, Sierra Leonean's favorited staple food make up the majority of
their plate but lacks essential nutrients and fatty-acid provided by fish and
fundamental for a healthy development. Micro-nutrients such as zinc, iron and
vitamin A cannot be absorbed through rice consumption alone and have to be
provided by fish (FAO 2005).
The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable
Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication
(SSF Guidelines) were designed to promote and enhance the contribution of
SSFs, increase public awareness about their plight, contribute to their
development and poverty reduction, achieve sustainable use of natural resources
and provide guidance to States and regional bodies. The SSF Guidelines reaffirm
the necessity and decisiveness of fishery in guaranteeing food security and
point out the disabling pressure and influence of other sectors as well as
economically-oriented agendas as risks for fisherfolks (FAO 2015).
In order to develop the fishery sector and link it to another
important sector the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
had the idea to promote rice and fish farming systems in inland fisheries.
Integrated rice-fish farming systems are proven to be sustainable but also
productive. The allow farmers and fisherfolks involved to increase their
income, and improve their diet (WorldFish Center 2015). The ancient technique
used for centuries in Asia has demonstrated promising results in the West
African region (FAO 2006). The development of integrated rice-fish farming
allows for a diversification of crops and food consumption and therefore food
security and self-sufficiency in both rice and fish.
***
Fish and other fish products represent a key to poverty
reduction and food security improvement. Highly nutritious and accessible fish
also provides the poorest communities employment and offers a security net to
those momentarily in need of quick cash.
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