Mwinyi calls for urgent food system transformation

DAR ES SALAAM: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has called for a rapid transformation of food systems to meet the growing demand for fish in the face of increasing population and urbanisation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 8th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters and Fisheries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and FAO’s Blue Food Summit, in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mwinyi praised the success of the FISH4ACP project in strengthening fish value chains in 12 ACP countries.

The impact of the FISH4ACP project on local communities in sustainable fish production is impressive, contributing to food and nutrition security, income generation and foreign exchange.

President Mwinyi emphasised the need to learn from the project’s best practices and scale them up to other regions.

“The demand for fish is expected to grow rapidly,” Mwinyi said.

“This growing demand calls for acceleration of transforming food systems.”

Mwinyi highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term viability of fish populations.

He also called for increased investment in aquaculture to supplement wild-caught fish and reduce pressure on marine ecosystems.

“We must balance the need for economic growth with the imperative of protecting our oceans,” Mwinyi said.

“By investing in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, we can ensure that fish remains a vital source of food and nutrition for generations to come.”

The FISH4ACP project has been instrumental in improving post-harvest handling, processing and marketing of fish products in the participating countries.

It has also helped to strengthen fisheries governance and promote sustainable fishing practices.

As the demand for fish continues to rise, the OACPS and FAO are committed to working together to support sustainable fisheries development in the region.

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By implementing the recommendations of the 8th Meeting of Ministers, the OACPS can help to ensure that fish remains a valuable asset for the people of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Mwinyi also stressed that OACPS countries can meet the demand for aquatic foods and marine products, creating opportunities for economic growth and jobs.

The region’s diverse marine ecosystems offer significant potential for sustainable fisheries development.

By investing in infrastructure, technology and human capital, OACPS countries can harness this potential to create jobs, reduce poverty and improve food security.

FAO Representative in Tanzania, Dr Nyabenyi Tito Tipo, expressed gratitude to the government for hosting the OACP ministers’ meeting and the blue food summit.

She highlighted the meeting’s deliberations on addressing challenges in promoting sustainable management of fish and aquatic resources.

Tipo emphasised the need for a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and equitable relationship between humans and the ocean, lakes and other water bodies.

This shift is crucial due to the rapidly growing population and urbanisation, which will lead to a soaring demand for fish products.

“The need for blue transformation is undeniable,” Tipo said.

“Our collective efforts make it clear that aquatic value chain development can help transform global food systems and address pressing issues like malnutrition, poverty and environmental degradation.”

OACPS Secretary General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti expressed his gratitude to the government for their gracious hosting.

He said a key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration by the OACPS, wherein sustainability in the blue food economy was placed at the forefront.

Secretary-General Chikoti emphasised the indispensable role played by fisheries and aquaculture in OACPS member states, not only as vital sources of sustenance but also as drivers of economic growth and pillars of community well-being.

The two forums convened stakeholders from across the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to deliberate on sustainable practices within the realms of oceans, fisheries and aquaculture.