Teaming up with the Ministry of Fisheries and local communities to restore freshwater fish stocks and enhance riverine ecosystems by empowering communities to manage their fish resources.
Freshwater and Inland Fisheries
Freshwater fish are a crucial protein source for many communities across Africa, particularly in northeastern Namibia. They play a key role in enhancing the socio-ecological resilience of riverine communities. Along the Kavango, Kwando, Zambezi, and Chobe Rivers, fishing is deeply integrated into daily life, providing food, income, and cultural value while supporting social activities and climate change adaptation.
Fishing is not only a cultural cornerstone but also a vital part of social interactions across generations. However, commercialisation has led to a significant decline in fish stocks. To address this issue, community co-managed fisheries reserves have been established as a response to halt this trend.
Key Partners
Riverine communities in the KAZA landscape, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM)
Regions
Kavango East and West regions, Zambezi region, Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area including Angola, Zambia and Botswana.
Objectives
Develop a network of well-governed fish reserves within the KAZA region.
Support the restoration of fish stocks and their habitats.
Serve as a knowledge hub and centre for capacity building for partners.
Implement transboundary fisheries management plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
2024 Highlights
Submitted 6 new fisheries reserves for gazetting, with 5 additional requests from communities.
Launched the Community Fisheries Tackle Box guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures to support the establishment of fisheries reserves.
Introduced the Transboundary Fisheries Framework 2023 in collaboration with Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.
The community documentary, The River People, won the Gold Award in the Conservation/Documentaries category at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa.
For more information regarding the Freshwater and Inland Fisheries programme. Kindly contact Allen Jiji
Main Projects
FISH - Freshwater Initiatives for Sustainable Habitats through community-based fisheries management for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation ~ (Click to View..)
Project Description
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Region: Kavango East, Kavango West Region, and Zambezi Region Description: This initiative is aimed at strengthening community-based fisheries management for climate resilience, food security, and freshwater biodiversity conservation in Namibia’s Kavango and Zambezi regions.
Time: 01/12/2025 – 30/04/2029 Budget: EURO 1,042,817.00
Donor: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Partners: EduVentures
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Food, Fish, and Forests. (OKACOM) ~ (Click to View..)
Project Description
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Region: Kavango East and Kavango West regions, Namibia Description: Showcasing holistic natural resource management in Namibia through co-managed fisheries reserves, riverine vegetation rehabilitation, and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture and nutrition security.