Mainstreaming fisheries in development policy

• Main Author: Kebe, M
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Subjects: Freshwater; Marine
• ISSN: 2070-7010

A key activity of SFLP has been to work with relevant government staff and other stakeholders to increase the understanding of the importance of the fisheries sector and how it needs to be included in local and national poverty reduction plans. At the same time, assistance has been provided to ensure that fisheries policies include reference to the relevant overall poverty context and objectives. This chapter outlines the arguments for why and how the needs of poor small-scale fishers and fish workers should be addressed explicitly in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and National Development Plans. The increased visibility of the fisheries sector at these high-level policy documents is evidence of recognition of the role of the fishing sector in poverty reduction and a chance to benefit from related funds, particularly by getting it into medium-term expenditure frameworks. An account is given of the achievement of SFLP with regard to influencing the planning process to include the fisheries sector and to ensure a holistic approach, as well as incorporating the principles of FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The likely livelihood impact is discussed and lessons learned explored with a view to shed light on what future priorities should be. Based on the fact that fishing communities in West and Central Africa are characterized by a high level of poverty/vulnerability, parallel efforts were made by SFLP to get poverty-related objectives into national fisheries sector policy.