Inauguration of the ice machine donated by FAO to the National Network of Women in Fisheries in Madagascar

FAO officially handed over a new ice-making machine to the National Network of Women in Fisheries (RENAFEP) with a production capacity of one ton of ice per day. A newly built facility, constructed by FAO on a site provided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, was also inaugurated to house the machine. 

The event was attented by high-level government representatives, including the Minister Fisheries and Blue Economy Paubert Tsimanaoraty Mahatante , as well as a fisheries experts from FAO headquarters and FAO Madagascar.  

This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure cleaner and safer fish products, and strengthen the livelihoods of women in the fishing sector. With the ice supply, fishmongers will be better able to preserve catches immediately after landing, transport produce over longer distances with higher quality, and potentially reach new or more remote markets. 

Partners in action  

The inauguration showcased collaboration between multiple partners to improve the fisheries value chain. FAO built the facility, while the Ministry provided the location. The event also included the official handover of an ice truck, obtained by RENAFEP through a successful call from the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors (PROFISHBLUE) a primary programme in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and freezers provided through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

These facilities are not just simple infrastructures. – explained Mr Philibert Rakotoson, FAO Madagascar (Programme) Assistant Representative – They serve as essential levers for enhancing the value chain of fishery and agricultural products, particularly perishable ones. With these facilities, they will now be able to store their products for longer, access new markets, and increase their income, all while ensuring the quality and safety of the food. 

 

Supporting Small-Scale Fisheries 

This donation is part of FAO global project Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods. In Madagascar, the initiative aligns with the country’s National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), supporting women’s associations such as RENAFEP through equipment provision, infrastructure, and capacity building in post-harvest techniques, conservation, market access, and governance. 

Madagascar’s small-scale fisheries sector contributes a large share of national fisheries production, and many fishers live in areas vulnerable to climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets. Improvements in preservation and handling help in more than one way: reducing waste, improving safety, and enhancing income stability. 


Learn more:  

• Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods project 
• SSF Guidelines country page: Madagascar 
• NPOA-SSF in Madagascar