Project’s quarterly call highlights progress and lessons learned ahead of project closure

The final quarterly meeting of the Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods project was held on 2 September 2025, bringing together national project coordinators from six countries, FAO colleagues, and partners. With the project set to close at the end of the year, the call provided a platform to reflect on achievements, challenges, and next steps. 

Project leads noted that nearly all planned objectives have been met, with strong progress in implementing the SSF Guidelines in all countries, including through National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries’ (NPOA-SSF) implementation. Key discussions centered on sustaining interventions beyond the project, improving post-harvest practices, and ensuring economic viability for small-scale fishers and processors. 

Participants also emphasized the role of women’s groups, capacity-building initiatives, and local governance structures in creating lasting impact. With just months remaining, attention now shifts toward the upcoming Global Learning Exchange in Tanzania, which will serve as a final opportunity to consolidate lessons and share experiences across countries.  


Summary of the countries’ highlights 



Ghana 

The coordinator for Ghana reported progress in expanding community-level training and governance structures. Over 4,000 beneficiaries were reached through participatory trainings on fish processing, hygiene, and group management—overcoming the initial target of 1,500. The project also established two new participatory management committees to oversee procured infrastructure such as fish processing facilities and landing beach sheds for women fishers. 

Other achievements included translating SSF Guidelines and training videos into Twi, a widely spoken local language, improving accessibility for communities. Alternative livelihoods were also promoted, with 21 participants beginning training in mushroom production. 

Challenges included disruptions linked to the national election year, where project activities were sometimes mistaken for political gatherings, and financial difficulties caused by sharp currency fluctuations. Despite this, Ghana’s community-based training model was successful, generating strong feedback and uptake across project communities. 

The Philippines 

In the Philippines, the main achievement was the launch of the NPOA-SSF in the country. Within this institutional framework, the project focused on capacity building and governance reforms to support the small-scale fisheries sector. Two rounds of training were conducted—one on values formation and team building to strengthen cohesion among newly organized women’s associations, and another on post-harvest practices and fish processing techniques, reaching nearly 300 participants. Importantly, the training included not only women processors but also local government officials and Bureau of Fisheries staff, ensuring institutional uptake. 

The team also advanced market engagement strategies by brokering discussions between women’s groups, local governments, national agencies, and private intermediaries. A market partner has already committed to serving as a link between women processors and higher-value markets such as hotels and retailers. 

Key challenges centered on the lack of adequate fish processing facilities at community and municipal levels, which limits women’s ability to meet market requirements. Sustaining market linkages will require further investment in infrastructure and stronger collaboration across government tiers. 


The United Republic of Tanzania  

The United Republic of Tanzania’s efforts centered on strengthening the Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TAWFA) and ensuring women’s financial independence. Chapters of TAWFA were rolled out across all major water bodies (Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, Nyasa, Malawi, and the marine coastline). To improve access to finance, Village Community Banks (VICOBAs) were introduced, enabling women to save collectively and provide low-interest loans within their groups. 

Mentorship visits showed strong results, with 16 VICOBAs involving 258 members generating a revolving fund of about USD 42,000—an unprecedented figure for many participants. Post-harvest innovations were also piloted, including LPG stoves and solar dryers, which reduced fuelwood dependency and improved product quality. Women members also gained exposure at agricultural trade fairs, building networks and market opportunities. 

Challenges remain around the affordability and durability of post-harvest technologies, limited space for drying racks along lakeshores, and dependence on external funding for scaling these solutions. Nevertheless, women-led groups are demonstrating resilience and entrepreneurial growth. 

Uganda 

Uganda reported significant steps in governance and community empowerment. A meeting of the National Plan of Action Task Force (NTF) transitioned the group from a development role to an implementation-focused committee with expanded membership and new terms of reference. This action, supports the implementation of Uganda’s NPOA-SSF to beyond the project. 
At the community level, women’s groups previously formed under the project have multiplied organically—some expanding from one to as many as six groups. Monitoring visits confirmed that these groups are already producing fish products for local markets and innovating with value addition. Plans for a demonstration and training center in fish processing are underway, with handover to another upcoming project. 

Challenges include the  limited durability of fish drying racks due to harsh weather conditions, as well as delays in formalizing the new NTF. Despite these difficulties, the demand from women to join processing groups is rapidly growing, showing strong community ownership and sustainability potential. 


Namibia  

The work in the country focused on hands-on, climate-smart training with strong youth and women participation. Four major training workshops and supervised sessions were conducted, reaching 51 participants across inland and marine fisheries. Topics included post-harvest handling, value addition (e.g., sausages, fish powder, vacuum-packed products), and financial literacy. 

One standout achievement was the development of a pool of six peer trainers, who now have the skills to replicate training in their own communities, supporting sustainability beyond the project. Women represented 73 percent of participants, while youth accounted for 60 percent, reinforcing the inclusiveness of the approach. The team also produced communications outputs, including articles published on FAO platforms, training videos, and interviews documenting lessons learned. 

Key challenges included resource constraints, language barriers (with translation sometimes limiting technical uptake), delays in coordination with government partners, and concerns about maintaining project momentum after closure. 

Madagascar  

Madagascar made significant efforts to empower women fish workers. In partnership with the National Network of Women in Fisheries in Madagascar (RENAFEP in French), 60 women in the Bay of Bombetoka received training in association management, female leadership, and financial management. Post-harvest tools such as drying racks, ovens, ice boxes, and scaling equipment were distributed to women’s associations. Five Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were created, engaging 90 members and trained in savings and loans management. 

A major achievement was the installation of an electric ice machine in Toliara, with a capacity of 1 ton per day. Ten women from the local management committee were trained in operation, maintenance, and safety. This intervention is expected to improve fish preservation and reduce losses, while supporting women’s leadership in managing infrastructure. 

Challenges included delays due to the high costs and technical validation processes required by FAO headquarters for specialized equipment procurement.  

Learn more:  

• SSF Guidelines website 
• Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods project