The Africa Food Systems Forum 2023, themed ‘Recover, Regenerate, Act,’ has emerged in the quest for sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems across the continent. This monumental gathering aims to unite over 3000 delegates, from policymakers to farmers, in a collective effort to shape a brighter future for Africa’s food systems.

Among the various discussions and side events that took place during this forum, the “Thriving Africa with Aquatic Foods“  event organized by the World Fish Center stood out as a pivotal moment. The event brought together voices from Zambia to Uganda, shining a spotlight on the vital role and untapped potential of aquatic food systems in the pursuit of nutritious food production. Moreover, it sought to address the bottlenecks hindering progress and share real-world solutions to combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty across the African continent.

Margaret Nakato, Coordinator of Katosi Women Development Trust, passionately articulated the systematic barriers that have marginalized small-scale aquatic food producers for far too long. She emphasized their exclusion from decision-making processes, inadequate recognition, minimal investment in aquatic food production, low public funding, and the failure to implement internationally agreed instruments designed to uplift millions of small-scale aquatic food producers from the grip of poverty.

Central to the discourse was the recognition that empowering women and female youth within the aquatic food system is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic imperative. By providing them with equal opportunities, access to resources, and decision-making roles within this sector, we tap into a vast reservoir of untapped talent and potential. It is heartening to note that many women are already deeply engaged in small-scale fisheries, particularly in the districts where the Katosi Women Development Trust intervenes. These women are the backbone of their communities, contributing significantly to food security and nutrition. However, there exists a tremendous opportunity to amplify their impact.

Empowering women with training and resources, such as boats and engines, can significantly enhance their participation in fisheries, thereby bolstering the sustainability and security of the aquatic food system. This, in turn, can lead to a substantial reduction in poverty levels and an overall improvement in the livelihoods of communities. The positive ripple effects of investing in women in the aquatic food system extend beyond mere economic gains. By empowering women, we foster resilience, promote sustainable resource management, and contribute to the broader goal of food security. When women are at the forefront of decision-making and resource allocation, the benefits are felt not only at the family level but also at the community and national levels.

Catherine Nalugga September 7, 2023 19 Comments Blog, News Articles