Closure of the GIZ Responsible Fisheries Business Chain Project
According to FAO, the small-scale fisheries sector in Uganda lies at the basis of immense ecological, social, economic and cultural values that underpin the foundation of sustainable development and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, fishing communities represent the largest category of marginalized people in Uganda and the population is estimated to grow 7% annually.
Women form the largest proportion of permanent residents in all fishing communities. Limited mobility due to socio-cultural norms denies them equal access to opportunities, resources and decision making. Most are self-employed in fish processing and engage in illegal fishing because lack sufficient capital to invest in legal fishing. Most jobs for women involve a daily cash income that is unpredictable due to the vagaries of fishing. In seasons of low catch, women often trade sexual favours for fish, which puts them at high risk of exploitation. In addition, women live in communities that do not have adequate access to basic social services. While the men migrate, the women who remain behind due to family responsibilities and suffer the most from the social and economic deprivations that prevail in fishing communities. Inland fisheries provide a safety net dimension that is of greater importance and relevance to poor and marginalized households.
In partnership with GIZ, Katosi Women Development Trust implemented the Responsible Fisheries Business Chain Project on the Lake Victoria from 2018 to 2022. The project targeted 500 women organized in 30 women groups in 4 sub counties of Mpunge, Mpatta, Nama, Nakisunga and 2 town councils of Katosi and Ntenjeru-Kisoga. Additionally, KWDT also worked with 1 group in Mpunge and 3 groups in each of the districts of Buikwe, Wakiso, Kalangala and Buvuma. The main objective of the project was to improve the livelihood and income of women in these fishing communities. This was achieved by strengthening women in groups through trainings on Organizational Capacity Building, Business Development Services, Fish Handling and Preservation and The Voluntary Guidelines For Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries In The Context Of Food Security And Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines).
The closure of this project rests on a number of achievements crucial to the sustainability of the fisheries in Uganda. For example, KWDT facilitated partnerships with Centenary and Equity Bank, enabling participants to explore various financing options for micro-enterprises. This initiative led to a notable increase in the number of participants opening accounts with Centenary Bank, exceeding 40 individuals. The trainings also played a pivotal role in fostering an understanding of the fish value chain, emphasizing sustainable fishing practices, legal compliance, tax obligations, and business formalization. Furthermore, specialized trainings on Fish Handling and Processing provided participants with comprehensive knowledge on hygienic handling practices, scientific methodologies, post-harvest loss mitigation, and food safety management. By moving away from traditional practices and embracing scientific approaches, participants are better equipped to preserve fish stocks and mitigate adverse impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
