The country is one of twelve covered by the FAO’s FISH4ACP program, which aims to address some of the challenges underlying the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Led by FISH4ACP, the global forum on blue food value chains will take place on 12-13 September 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to explore how they can help transform food systems and feed a growing world population while preserving the health of the planet.
The event will bring together fisheries ministers, delegates, partners and non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), as well as the twelve beneficiary countries of this United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) program, including Cameroon through its shrimp fisheries value chain development project.
In Cameroon, shrimp is caught by industrial and artisanal fishermen, with production estimated at 5,000 tonnes per year. However, inappropriate fishing gear and techniques are having a negative impact on the environment. The use of small-mesh nets, resulting in high by-catch, or fishing in spawning grounds are some of the problems reported in the artisanal segment of the fishery.
The sector also suffers significant post-harvest losses due to poor handling, preservation, processing, storage and transport practices. This has a negative impact on the livelihoods of fishing communities and reduces marketing opportunities for shrimp.
In June 2021, FISH4ACP, an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to support the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture, began operations in Cameroon. Funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by FAO, it aims to help the country make its shrimp sector more competitive and sustainable.
The Blue Food Forum is an important platform for sharing knowledge generated by FISH4ACP and other initiatives with public and private sector representatives, value chain experts and practitioners, partner organisations and the donor community.
It will focus on good practices and lessons learnt from the aquatic food value chain development efforts of FISH4ACP and other value chain initiatives. Cameroon will make a special contribution by presenting good practices in environmental protection in small scale fisheries and shrimp processing techniques, which will be shared with all participants.
Through FISH4ACP, FAO promotes responsible and sustainable fishing and processing techniques to increase the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
