“Oysters are an important source of protein and micro-nutrient for a large number of Gambians and generate important income for women from West Coast to the Tanbi Wetland Park, among others. FISH4 African, Caribbean and Pacific States (FISH4ACP) program, intended to be inclusive and sustainable”, the FAO Representative in The Gambia, Ms. Moshibudi Rampedi , told the audience at the opening of the FISH4ACP Project inception workshop held at a local hotel in Senegambia, on 10 March, 2022.
FISH4ACP, meaning FISH 4 African, Caribbean and Pacific States, is an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). It focuses on improving the productivity and competitiveness of fisheries and aqua cultural value chains, its sustainability and social inclusion.
The program is implemented by FAO and its partners, and funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to the tune of US$55 Million for 12 value chains.
The launching of FISH4ACP in The Gambia, is expected to help the country unlock the potentials of mangrove oyster production, and provide better food for rural communities, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, according to officials.
Meanwhile, FAO Country Representative Rampedi had highlighted that in the Gambia, the Oyster Value Chain will benefit from the support in line with national priorities, through the development of an upgrading strategy for the valorization of the oyster value chain, increasing the economic performance of the oyster value chain, strengthening the inclusive ness and economic, social and environmental sustainability of the value chain and facilitating access to additional source of finance for the oyster value chain actors.
She had noted recalled that in 2016, the total world production of the sector reached a record level of 171 million tons, resulting in a record level of consumption per capita (20.3kg in 2016), with an estimated first value sale of US$362 billion. This, she added, shows that the fisheries sector is key to achieving FAO’s overall goal of “Freeing the World from hunger and malnutrition”.
The FAO country boss believes today, the FISH4ACP Programme “sustainable development of Fisheries and aqua cultural value chain in ACP countries”, with intervention in the Gambia in the oyster value chain, fits perfectly well with national priorities. In the Gambia, oysters are harvested in an artisanal manner by women, the sector engages around 1000 women spread over the entire production chain, from harvesting to making and processing, as she noted.
Mr. Stephane MEERT, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation in the Gambia, stated that through the FISH4ACP Project they aim to address aspects of the strategic objectives shared by the Gambia and EU, through economic development (giving a livelihood and more employment opportunities to families and communities). He said it also seeks to ensure protection of the environment–exploiting the mangrove ecosystem’s short-term potential without destroying its long-term benefits to the Gambia and women empowerment (by increasing their revenues).
“We do intend to improve the value chain, daily working and living conditions of women and men collecting, processing and selling oysters. Nonetheless, we are also aware that a lot of work and dedication will be necessary to achieve the project’s objectives”, the EU official disclosed.
