Namibia is advancing climate-smart and inclusive development in small-scale fisheries through innovative post-harvest practices that empower coastal and riverine communities. Under FAO’s Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines Phase 2, the country is enhancing value addition, promoting gender equality, and strengthening adaptive governance to build resilient, equitable food systems while improving livelihoods across its fishing communities. This approach was recently highlighted at the 19th FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting, positioning Namibia as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries management.
Small-scale fisheries are vital for food security, employment, and nutrition across Southern Africa, but they face increasing challenges from climate variability, declining fish stocks, and limited market access. In Namibia, women, who play a key role in post-harvest processing, are disproportionately affected due to limited access to resources, finance, and decision-making platforms. Recognizing the need to strengthen gender equity and adaptive capacity, Namibia is investing in community-driven solutions that safeguard livelihoods while supporting sustainable aquatic food systems.
Through collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform and community-based associations including NAMFISHNET, the initiative employs FAO’s gender-transformative and human rights-based approaches to improve participation and skills in small-scale fisheries. Training sessions introduced climate-smart post-harvest techniques, improved hygiene and food safety, and promoted energy-efficient processing practices. Participatory equipment-management models increased accountability and collective ownership, while the COM-B behavioral change framework strengthened leadership and social accountability within communities. Women and youth were prioritized to ensure equitable access to skills and opportunities aligned with Namibia’s National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries.
The programme has led to meaningful improvements in fish handling, value addition, food safety, and working conditions for artisanal processors. Forty-five community members, mostly women and youth, enhanced their practical skills in processing and seafood hygiene, producing safer, higher-quality products with greater market opportunities. Women’s representation in fisheries governance has grown through participation in national task teams and strengthened organizational structures. Peer-learning exchanges, video storytelling, and Training-of-Trainers initiatives have supported knowledge transfer and encouraged wider adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient practices. These efforts demonstrate how gender-responsive training and policy support can enhance resilience while ensuring fairer distribution of benefits across fisheries communities.
With strong political commitment and alignment to national priorities, FAO’s “Four Betters,” and the Sustainable Development Goals, Namibia is refining a clear pathway for scaling these initiatives. Future efforts will focus on expanding public-private partnerships, improving access to finance and technology for women and youth, and integrating digital tools into extension and capacity-building programs. Scaling the approach across Namibia’s seven participating regions — Omusati, Oshana, Kavango East, Kavango West, Erongo, Karas, and Zambezi — between 2024 and 2025 is establishing a foundation for regional replication.
By combining inclusive governance, climate-smart practices, and gender-responsive innovation, Namibia is setting a benchmark for sustainable small-scale fisheries, illustrating how strengthening local capacity can foster resilient, inclusive growth across aquatic food systems.
