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The FAO Smart Fisheries Co-Management project (SFC) is working to enhance fisheries co-management systems and diverse livelihoods to contribute to achieving economic, environmental, and social sustainability of fishing communities in selected countries, including Mozambique, where the project is focusing on the provinces of Vilankulo and Inhambane, two major fishing areas.

In Vilankulo, the project was introduced to the District Government authorities and fishing communities in November 2022 through an Inception Workshop, followed by three training workshops on Fisheries Co-management at national and site levels. The project is now conducting a questionnaire in the field to hear the voices of the local communities, following recommendations to put more emphasis on developing capacity and implementing diverse livelihoods in the fishing communities to benefit from FAO activities.

The questionnaire is meant to gather information about fisheries within the three selected fishing communities of the Vilankulo district in Mozambique, as part of the SFC project's efforts to explore sustainable livelihoods.

Through voluntary participation, fishing communities of Mabandene, Macunhe, and Guitine can provide information on their fishing practices and methods, as well as insights on fishing trends and suggestions on best ways to improve fishing in the community. The questionnaire is intended to help generating information for evaluating the overall value chain, from the nets to the fish markets, and the overall knowledge on current management and governance practices in the three fishing communities.

The questionnaire results will lay the groundwork for enhanced livelihood opportunities in Mozambique, where fisheries underpin the economy and food security for many communities.