The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is advancing efforts to strengthen South Africa’s inland fisheries and small-scale aquaculture sectors. These sectors are vital to national priorities, including job creation, food and nutrition security, sustainable livelihoods, rural development, gender equality, and socio-economic transformation. By targeting rural communities and marginalized groups, the initiative aims to ensure inclusivity and equitable participation in economic development.
FAO emphasized the importance of recognizing small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers as central actors in building resilient agrifood systems. South Africa has made progress in governance through the 2022 National Freshwater (Inland) Wild Capture Fisheries Policy, which highlighted the need for enabling legislation for all fishing categories, including small-scale fisheries. A legislative review is underway to assess current laws, institutional arrangements, and management tools to guide future action. Simultaneously, the Small-scale Aquaculture Support Programme is being evaluated to identify lessons learned, document good practices, and inform strategies for the 2026/27–2030/31 implementation plan.
The collaboration focuses on two main components. The Legislative Review for the Inland Fisheries Sector aims to create inclusive, effective governance frameworks aligned with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. The assessment of the Small-scale Aquaculture Support Programme will refine approaches to strengthen aquaculture development. Together, these initiatives provide a coherent and coordinated strategy to unlock the potential of inland fisheries and aquaculture, enhancing sustainable resource management, food security, and inclusive growth.
Community-centered consultations were held across all nine provinces between October and November 2025, ensuring that women, youth, and rural producers were actively engaged. Over 300 participants, including government representatives, small-scale fishers, aquaculture producers, research institutions, and community organizations, contributed to discussions on challenges such as market access, resources, and visibility. Participants highlighted the importance of policies grounded in local realities that support families, communities, and socio-economic transformation.
The next step involves consolidating feedback from all provinces into a national strategy that aligns inland fisheries and sustainable aquaculture with broader food security and development goals. This approach integrates governance, market access, capacity building, and infrastructure to create a holistic aquatic food production system.
The initiative is guided by the principle of leaving no one behind while contributing to the growth of a sustainable blue economy. By fostering strong collaboration between government, international partners, and local communities, the program ensures policies are informed by local needs, global best practices, and capable of delivering improved livelihoods, sustainable food systems, and a stronger future for South Africa.
