Contact
Birgit Koehler, researcher
Department of Aquatic Resources, SLU
birgit.koehler@slu.se, +46(0)10-478 41 60
News
SLU Aqua is involved in strengthening small-scale actors in fisheries and aquaculture in East Africa
Published: 28 January 2025
SLU Aqua is currently participating in a project on improving aquatic food systems with a focus on small-scale actors. The project is part of the SASi-SPi (Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface) program, which involves developing and testing so-called “Science-Policy Labs” where different groups collaborate to design policy options, discuss trade-offs and find better solutions to these.
Last fall, Birgit Koehler, Charlotte Berkström and Maria Eggertsen participated in the preparation and implementation of a Science-Policy Lab within the project, together with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) on site in Mombasa, Kenya. The focus was on inclusion and equity for small-scale actors.
Birgit, tell us more about the workshop?
– The workshop brought together 46 participants from nine countries in East Africa. Participants represented fishermen, fish farmers, businesses, politicians, civil society and researchers. The workshop focused on including groups that are often overlooked, such as women, youth and indigenous peoples. Before the workshop, we visited small-scale fishers and fish farmers in Kenya to learn about their challenges and solutions. During the workshop, we then discussed ideas and policy proposals to improve the situation of small-scale actors, says Birgit.
What will you take away from the workshop?
- That the project is both important and challenging. We have learned a lot about the needs of small-scale actors and possible solutions, and the results of the workshop are now being compiled together with the results of two other Science-Policy Labs in the program, which focused on resilience and innovation in aquatic food systems, says Birgit.
Read more about SASi-SPi.