Fisheries

What's on this page?

On this page you can find out more about PAF's aims and vision and the work done so far.

What is PAF?

PAF is the Partnership for African Fisheries. PAF works to improve the sustainability of Africa's fisheries and improve the returns provided by this sector.

PAF's aims

Fish are caught, processed and traded daily across Africa but the full economic and social benefits of this trade has yet to reach its full potential. There is also the threat that without adequate management, fisheries and the fish trade will not be adequately safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.

PAF's vision for the future of fisheries includes:
- Reform which is inclusive and promotes change through communication, learning and advocacy and a robust policy process;
- An understanding of the benefits that the African fishery sector can offer to promote pro-poor economic and social growth and how fisheries can be aligned to take advantage of these;
- An increase in the sharing of knowledge, tools, systems and policy to curb illegal fisheries; and
- Innovative and equitable approaches to investment and trade in African fishery products.

What is happening under this programme?

PAF aims to aid growth in the fisheries sector. To achieve this PAF promotes a think-tank approach to encourage transparent and home-grown advice for the sector.

Working groups have been established in three key policy areas:
- Good governance
- Illegal fishing
- Trade and access to markets
- Acquaculture

The working groups draw on experience in fishing communities, industry, government, educational institutions and from among technical experts. This encourages the exchange of ideas alongside proven solutions.

What progress has been made so far?

The PAF team recently hosted the first Conference of African Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA) in Banjul, The Gambia. This AU-led conference was the first of its kind and facilitated information sharing and promoted dialogue on the role and importance of the fisheries sector.

For more information go to http://www.africanfisheries.org

Who is leading the Programme?

Dr. Sloans Chimatiro sloansc@nepad.org

Tel: +27 (0)11 256 3606