Share
Tanzania’s fisheries: Can it stay afloat?
Fisheries are important to Tanzania’s economy, providing employment, income and foreign export revenue. The sector is responsible for over 4 million jobs and contributes more than 6 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Yet, due in part to harmful fishing practices, the sector’s growth is declining. Geofrey Rucho, Executive Secretary at the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania, joins CNBC Africa for more.
Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:16:33 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Tanzania's fisheries sector is crucial to the economy, providing millions of jobs and contributing significantly to the GDP.
- Policy inadequacies and the need to attract more investors pose challenges to the sector's sustainability.
- Promoting sustainable aquaculture practices is essential to address the decline in capture fisheries and ensure long-term growth.
Tanzania's fisheries sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, providing employment, income, and foreign export revenue. With over 4 million jobs created and contributing more than 6% to the Gross Domestic Product, the sector holds significant importance. However, due to harmful fishing practices, the industry's growth is on the decline. In a recent interview, Geofrey Rucho, the Executive Secretary at the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania, shed light on the challenges faced by the sector and discussed possible solutions to ensure its sustainability.
Rucho emphasized the abundance of resources in Tanzania, both in marine and freshwater, along with a skilled labor force. Despite these advantages, the sector faces challenges related to policy inadequacies and the need to attract more investors. He highlighted the importance of implementing policies that not only support the industry but also encourage investments. Additionally, providing clear and reliable information to potential investors is crucial for the sector's growth.
One of the major concerns in Tanzania's fisheries is the decline in catch per unit over the past few years. Factors contributing to this decline include climate change and insufficient investments in the sector. Rucho pointed out the global trend of declining capture fishery and stressed the importance of promoting sustainable aquaculture as a way to address the issue. By encouraging environmentally friendly aquaculture practices, Tanzania can potentially reverse the declining trend in the fisheries sector.
Sustainable aquaculture involves promoting the sector in a manner that benefits all stakeholders while ensuring environmental sustainability. Rucho urged for the adoption of best practices and standards in aquaculture to maximize productivity and profitability. He highlighted the need for farmers to understand and follow these standards to achieve sustainable outcomes. By focusing on sustainable aquaculture, Tanzania can bridge the gap created by the decline in capture fisheries and pave the way for a more prosperous future in the fisheries sector.
In conclusion, Tanzania's fisheries sector faces significant challenges, but with strategic policy reforms and a shift towards sustainable aquaculture, there is hope for recovery and growth. By prioritizing environmental conservation, implementing supportive policies, and encouraging investments, Tanzania can revitalize its fisheries industry and ensure long-term sustainability.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
DAILY UPDATE
Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.