The United Republic of Tanzania

Over 34.8 million people are nourished from fish supplied from small-scale fisheries in the United Republic of Tanzania, contributing to the fight against malnutrition and hunger. In addition, small-scale fisheries provide immense economic benefits, particularly in rural environments. At least 4.5 million people depend at least partially on small-scale fisheries livelihoods in the United Republic of Tanzania, with one in four people employed being women (learn more). 

The United Republic of Tanzania is a frontrunner in the implementation of the SSF Guidelines at the country level, being the first country to develop a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). Reflecting the Government's commitment to continue working towards improving the small-scale fisheries sector and the livelihoods of those involved in it.

FAO has been supporting the country through various projects and activities. For instance, through the project titled “Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods”, a sub-programme of the FAO Flexible Voluntary Contributions fund (FVC), sought, among other things, to enhance understanding of the nutritional value of fish for healthy diets. Through this project, FAO conducted research in the country on energy-efficient fish processing techniques and on the role of small fish in local livelihoods. To ensure quality products for consumption and minimize post-harvest losses, the project supported the provision of improved post-harvest processing technologies, including the construction of hot-air blowing machines.

In its second phase, the project provides training and capacity building on improved post-harvest and related business practices, with a focus on women fish processors, but also including other SSF actors, government (extension) officials, and relevant stakeholders. Under this project, FAO also supports the development, monitoring, and review of the NPOA-SSF by organizing key stakeholder workshops and supporting the National Task Team’s quarterly meetings. Additionally, this project supports women’s groups through the organization of exchange visits and peer-to-peer learning.

Understanding that effective and well-connected organizations are key to improving livelihoods and contributing to the food security and nutrition of their members, FAO provides support to local small-scale fisheries associations, such as the Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TAWFA). TAWFA was developed with the support of the FAO-NORAD project titled “Empowering Women in Small-Scale Fisheries for Sustainable Food Systems”, funded by FAO and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and of the “Creating an Enabling Environment for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries”, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). 

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