FairFishing’s impact on everyday lives

Fadumo Farah, regular customer

"Before the FairFishing market in Burco opened, it was hard to get fresh fish. We are very grateful for having such a nice fish market. My family has experienced many health benefits after including fish in our diet: I used to weigh 95 kg, and now I’m down to 70–75 kg. I encourage my community to eat more fish, because it is healthier and cheaper than red meat."

Yama Jasin (to the right)

Due to severe droughts in 2017, Jama and his family lost most of their livestock, and were forced to migrate to the coast, hoping to find new ways to make a living. Early 2018, Jama participated in FairFishing’s fishery technical training at sea, which opened up new job possibilities for him. He started working as a fisher, and soon got promoted to skipper. Jama looks at the future optimistically now, and dreams of owning a small boat and becoming a successful businessman.

Mustafe Muse, FairFishing Market Manager

"My life has changed in many ways after I was hired by FairFishing. Now, I spend most of my time thinking about fish – my nickname has even become 'Mustafe the fisherman'. I can see that FairFishing is having a positive impact on the local fish consumption. My dream is that one day, fish will be the most valued dish in Somaliland."

FairFishing’s Impact in Numbers

Fish

From 2013 to 2019

500% increase

in the amount of fish landed

jobs

Since 2013

3.000 jobs

have been created along the fish value chain

Income

Since 2013

3–500% increase

in the income among fishers and boat owners

turnover

In 2019

5.380.000 $

in turnover among local fishers, mongers, chefs and street-kitchen owners

FairFishing and the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG#1: No Poverty

FairFishing is working to create new livelihood opportunities for families, so they can get out of poverty. Foot fishers are able to provide food for themselves and their families from day to day by fishing, and occasionally even sell some extra catch. Others find new job opportunities through the fishery sector, and are able to make a decent wage through decent work.

SDG#2: Zero Hunger

FairFishing is fighting hunger in a region challenged by malnutrition and food insecurity. Fish is an under-utilised resource along the Horn of Africa, and there is great potential for sustainable fishery in the area. However, there is no tradition for eating fish, nor a functioning infrastructure for fishery. FairFishing is working to build up infrastructure and educate the local population on fish.

SDG#5: Gender Equality

Women have not traditionally been a part of the fresh fish value chain, and FairFishing is working to change that, so that women can take part in the financial and social benefits of a thriving fishery sector. We work to motivate more women to get involved in the business of fish, and educate female householders on how to prepare delicious, nutritious fish for their families.

SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Since 2013, FairFishing has contributed to creating around 3.000 new jobs along the fish value chain, and an increase in wages of 3–500%. The fishery industry in Berbera has grown from being almost non-existent, to generating a yearly turnover of more than 4 million dollar benefiting local fishers, mongers, chefs and street-kitchen owners.

SDG#12: Responsible Consumption and Production

FairFishing is working to create a small-scale, artisan fishery business – that is sustainable in all senses of the word. We are leading the way for data catch registration at the fish stations, which will enable us to monitor the fishing of the local stocks, and prevent any overfishing at its roots. Our partners are encouraged to engage in sustainable fishing practices only. We also focus on maximising the use of all resources, by investigating how fish "waste" can create value – such as fish soup and fertiliser.

SDG#14: Life Below Water

FairFishing was originally developed from SDG 14B: 'Support small-scale artisanal fishers'. Throughout the years, we have broadened our focus to include many more of the SDGs, but #14 remains at the heart of our work. Let’s work together to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, and preserve life below water!