Overview: 

Associacao Mar Mocambique (MARMO) successfully implemented the OceanUbuntu project, empowering artisanal fishermen and fish sellers in Quelimane, Mozambique, by promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving fish processing techniques.   

The Challenge:

Fishermen in Quelimane faced declining incomes due to a decrease in fish stocks caused by environmental degradation and unsustainable fishing practices, coupled with the low commercial value of their fish due to inadequate processing tools.   

The Solution:

The project focused on strengthening the processing and fishing value chain by providing training in sustainable fishing, fish processing, and marketing and sales, while also supporting livelihood diversification through local ecotourism development.   

Why this Matters:

This initiative not only improved the economic and social resilience of fishing communities but also promoted gender equality and capacity building within the communities.   

Main Outputs and Achievements:

The project provided personalized training to 90 fishermen, including 40 women, in sustainable fishing, fish processing, and marketing and sales. It also facilitated the construction of fish processing equipment, established a monitoring and evaluation system, and engaged local organizations and stakeholders to support the initiative.   

Support the Project:

Potential partners could support AMAR by providing funding for scaling up the project, expanding training programs to other fishing communities, and supporting the development of ecotourism initiatives.   

Lessons Learned:

The project highlighted the importance of community engagement, collaboration with the government, and the need for robust communication channels. It also emphasized the complexity of the fish value chain and the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation.