This project, a sub-programme of the FAO Flexible Voluntary Contributions fund ( FVC), is the second phase of the project Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods. It aims to enhance the resilience and sustainability of livelihoods within small-scale fisheries communities by implementing the SSF Guidelines, with a specific emphasis on post-harvest sector improvements and gender equality.
The SSF Guidelines are intended to support the visibility, recognition and enhancement of the already important role of small-scale fisheries and to contribute to global and national efforts towards the eradication of hunger and poverty. They support responsible fisheries and sustainable social and economic development for the benefit of current and future generations, with an emphasis on small- scale fishers and fish workers and related activities and including vulnerable and marginalized people, promoting a human rights-based approach.
All parties should recognize that capacity development should build on existing knowledge and skills and be a two-way process of knowledge transfer, providing for flexible and suitable learning pathways to meet the needs of individuals, including both men and women and vulnerable and marginalized groups. Moreover, capacity development should include building the resilience and adaptive capacity of small- scale fishing communities in relation to disaster risk management and climate change adaption.
§12.3 SSF Guidelines
Activities will take place in Ghana, Madagascar, Namibia, the Philippines, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda, and have been designed through a participative process and based on the four expected outputs of the project. These activities include enhancing effective participation of small-scale fisheries stakeholders in organizations, developing hard and soft skills in the post-harvest segment of the value chain, and increasing local ownership and partnerships in the subsector. In addition, the project aims to further develop and implement National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOAs-SSF).
Expected Outputs
Responsible and climate smart practices as well as better working conditions in small-scale fisheries, in particular in the post-harvest segment.
Strengthened small-scale fisheries organizations through collaboration and experience sharing, with improved participation and representation in decision-making processes and value chains, in particular for women.
Supportive policies through initiation, development, and implementation of National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries at national level as agreed frameworks for action.
Strengthen global knowledge, collective learning, and capacity for implementing the SSF Guidelines.
Related SDGs
Related publications
Publications
From ice to price: how an ice-machine improves gains for women working in post-harvest fisheries activities in Madagascar
24/06/2026
This multilingual publication showcases activities supporting the implementation of the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF)...
Policy Brief
Mainstreaming small-scale fisheries into climate action for sustainable development in Namibia
02/05/2023
This policy brief urges the incorporation of small-scale fisheries into Namibia's climate action policies to enhance resilience and livelihood security....
Brochure
Namibia socio-economic development considerations to strengthen the small-scale fisheries ecosystem
01/05/2023
This assessment complements Namibia's National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), emphasizing the sector's pivotal role in socio-economic...
Documents
National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Uganda (NPOA-SSF)
17/10/2023
Capture fisheries are very important in the Ugandan economy and contributed 625,000 tons of fish valued at UGX 2 trillion in 2022 which is next to coffee...
Related news
African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network takes Global Learning Exchange lessons to the continent
19/05/2026
Written by AWFISHNET Secretariat
In March 2026, the shores of Lake Victoria became a classroom. From 18 to 20 March, the FAO funded Global Learning Exchange (GLE) brought together over 50 participants from six African countries, Colombia, Malawi, and the Philippines to sha...
Global learning exchange held in Tanzania strengthens collaboration on small-scale fisheries
31/03/2026
A Global Learning Exchange held in Mwanza from 18 to 20 March 2026 brought together key stakeholders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen collaboration, share experiences, and advance the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (S...
From the sea to the market: The essential role of women in Madagascar’s fisheries value chain
11/03/2026
Ghana inaugurates National Task force Team to advance the development of a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries
27/01/2026
Ghana, supported by FAO, is currently in the process of initiating its National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), in line with the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines). Marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainabl...
Indonesia launches National Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries
25/11/2025
In a major step toward strengthening the country’s coastal fishing communities and sustainable fisheries management, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia (MMAF) has officially launched the National Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries Management (NPOA-SSF) on 5 November 2...
From ice to price: how an ice-machine improve gains for women working in post-harvest fisheries activities in Madagascar
21/11/2025
On the beach of Toliara, Madagascar, women wait under the sun with their coolers ready. The first boats are approaching, and this time, their fish will stay fresh long enough to fetch a fair price.
