FISH4ACP boosts optimism for Lake Tanganyika’s fishers

KIGOMA: IN the vibrant fishing communities along Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika, a quiet revolution is unfolding in Kigoma Region.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s FISH4ACP programme is reshaping the way small-scale fishers and processors operate, providing critical skills, modern technology and access to new markets.

Funded by the European Union and the German government, this initiative tackles long-standing challenges such as post-harvest losses, climate change and lack of financial access.

For many fishers and processors like Zena Masoud and Suzan Hamim, the programme has been life-changing. Where there was once uncertainty due to poor fishing practices and dwindling fish stocks, now there’s opportunity and hope.

Zena Masoud, a fishing vessel owner and processor from the Katonga Fishing Group, credits FISH4ACP with transforming her business.

“Before, we dried fish on the ground, where they were exposed to dust and contamination,” she recalls. “Now, thanks to training and equipment, we can preserve fish much better.”

The programme introduced insulated boxes to keep fish fresh on their journey to shore and raised drying racks for sardines, improving hygiene and quality. These innovations have drastically reduced post-harvest losses, which had previously kept fishers in poverty.

“It was difficult before because the fish would spoil quickly, but now we can maintain their quality much longer,” Zena says.

Beyond product quality, the programme has equipped fishers with business skills, basic accounting, and financial literacy. Zena and her colleagues learned to manage their earnings and were introduced to banking services.

“They helped us open bank accounts. Now, when I make 100,000/-, I save 70,000,” she says, demonstrating newfound financial discipline.

Despite her success, Zena notes one remaining challenge: accessing loans.

“We’ve made progress, but banks still see fisheries as too risky. I make a profit of 2m/- a month, but it’s as if banks don’t see the potential of this business,” she laments.

Another Katonga Fishing Group member, Suzan Hamim, has also seen her work improve through FISH4ACP.

She shares how drying racks and solar tent dryers have significantly enhanced the quality of sardines.

“We used to dry sardines on the ground, but now the product is cleaner and more marketable,” she says. Before the programme, spoilage rates for fish and sardines were as high as 50 per cent due to poor handling.

With new insulated boxes and improved drying techniques, spoilage has decreased, improving the shelf life and market value of the fish.

Fishers and processors now command higher prices, competing more effectively in domestic and international markets.

FISH4ACP has also expanded market access, linking fishers to buyers from Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Europe, Australia and America. This diversification has reduced reliance on local markets and increased income stability.

The programme also facilitated exchanges with fishers from Lake Victoria, allowing Suzan and others to learn best practices.

“Meeting other fishers was beneficial. It showed us ways to improve our operations,” Suzan adds.

Francis John, chairman of the Katonga Fishing Group, points out that FISH4ACP has introduced innovative sardine drying methods, including solar drying sheds and FAO Thiaroye Technique (FTT) ovens.

These techniques, alongside the planned construction of an ice plant for preservation, are transforming fish preservation in the region.

“This programme is a saviour for fish entrepreneurs on Lake Tanganyika,” he says. “It has provided us with education on business and financial management, alongside improved preservation models.”

While, FISH4ACP has helped fishers open bank accounts, financial access remains a hurdle.

Mzee Ezekiel Ibrahim, another member of the group, points out that while the programme has helped fishers open bank accounts, securing loans is still a significant hurdle.

“Banks don’t seem to understand the fisheries sector. It’s a promising business, but getting a loan has been difficult,” he says.

Mzee Ezekiel acknowledges that the temporary banning of fishing on Lake Tanganyika for conservation reasons may have made it even harder for fishers to secure financing.

The government imposed a three-month fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika starting in May to allow fish stocks to breed and replenish. This decision was part of a regional agreement among member states of the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management. The ban was lifted in mid-August, yielding positive outcomes, with significant increases in fish yields being reported.

Mzee Ezekiel highlights the positive impact of the ban, with fish yields increasing significantly after it was lifted in mid-August.

“The potential of fisheries here is immense,” he adds. “During peak times, we export to markets as far as Australia.”

FISH4ACP has also empowered women, who make up the majority of fish processors. Many have formed cooperatives and associations, gaining better access to finance and protection from workplace abuse and robberies. By organising, women have increased their bargaining power and unlocked new opportunities within the value chain.

Despite these successes, some fishers like Chausiku Issa feel left behind. Chausiku, a processor for over 20 years, claims she hasn’t heard of the programme.

“It seems like only a few selected people were involved,” she says, highlighting a gap in outreach.

FISH4ACP has made significant strides in addressing challenges like post-harvest losses and inadequate processing methods in the Lake Tanganyika region, where over 27,000 fishers and 11,000 processors rely on the fisheries for their livelihoods.

By promoting sustainable practices, better handling and processing techniques, and improved access to markets, the programme is ensuring the long-term viability of the region’s fisheries. Moreover, the increased participation of women and the formation of cooperatives are crucial for advancing gender equity and improving financial access.

While challenges remain—particularly in accessing loans and ensuring broader involvement—the programme’s impact is undeniable. Through its work in improving technology, capacity-building, and fostering sustainable practices, FISH4ACP is providing a lifeline to fishers and processors in Lake Tanganyika, helping them build more prosperous and resilient futures.