Photo ©FAO, Kacou Charles

18 July, Sassandra - Kacou Charles, 48, a husband and father of four children, is a native of the coastal town of Sassandra in Côte d'Ivoire who has been practicing artisanal fishing for the past 25 years.

Despite the challenges associated with this profession, including competition from communities from neighbouring countries, Mr Charles has no plans to throw in the towel. His assets are his love for the sea and his passion for fishing.

“I leave home at 5 a.m. and I head out to sea with my boat, which is equipped with a motor. I know the area, so I know where to find fish. I come back around 4 p.m. I fish with a line, so I don’t expect to bring back large quantities but a certain portion, especially pike, which my wife sells,” he explains.

When things are going well, the couple’s monthly income fluctuates around USD 500. “My wife is a great support.I noticed that our income has improved thanks to her help,” he remarked.

Among the challenges, Mr Charles denounces industrial fishing vessels that violate Ivorian legislation.

"They fish less than six kilometers from the coast with little regard for the breeding grounds, taking the junior fish as well,” he said.

Another difficulty is market competition from imported fish. However, artisanal fishing offers fresh and good quality fish. “Customers automatically choose locally caught fish. They can easily tell the difference,” he explains.

Despite everything, according to Mr Charles, artisanal fishing is a viable job opportunity for young people.

“Europe is not necessarily El Dorado. You can make a decent living from fishing, without leaving the country,” he advised. "Personally, in five years I plan to open a company with my wife to supply other cities in Côte d'Ivoire with fish made in Sassandra.”

About CFI-WA

CFI-WA covers Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal. The Initiative works with stakeholders and authorities to strengthen fisheries governance and management and improve the seafood value chain and working conditions, with a focus on empowering women. It is implemented by FAO in partnership with UNEP/Abidjan Convention and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).