High-level dialogue session on National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Malawi

A High-level dialogue session on the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Malawi brought together key stakeholders that participated in the development of the document to discuss the way forward and call for support for its implementation. Over 70 participants, from small-scale fishing communities, government, two members of parliament, FAO (Malawi and headquarters), academia and other development partners participated in/at the event that was divided into two parts, the initial one brought remarks on the development and importance of the document to the SSF subsector on Malawi, which was followed by a panel aiming to discuss the challenges and way forward.

The introductory part of the event presented remarks and speeches from the Minister of the Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Michael Usi, who emphasized that it is the government’s objective to have “Fish at the table for everyone by making sure that everybody in Malawi can afford to buy fish and therefore improve the well being and nutrition of people in Malawi.”

Hon. Dr. Usi also drew attention to the two events happening: “Together here today, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines and the NPOA-SSF High-Level dialogue session, because the SSF Guidelines are one of the most distictive achievements in the fisheries sector and taking action is needed to actually translate the NPOA-SSF into effective solutions”.

“Fisheries in Malawi is mainly small-scale and their importance for food security and nutrition in the country is enourmous. Malawi is one of the first countries to develop and launch a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, an important document approved to tackle key challenges related to small-scale fisheries identified in the country during consultation process.” Highlighted Dr. Zhujin Chen, FAO representative in Malawi who also praised that the NPOA-SSF comes timely in 2024 when we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines.  Interventions by the Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Yusuf Mkungula; and from the Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings followed.

A surprise celebration on the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines also took place during the event. Women from the fishing communities, members of the NPOA-SSF National Task Team, entered the room singing happy birthday with ballons and a cake. The Minister was invited to cut the cake and join the celebration. The SSF Guidelines were praised as the most relevant global tool to the small-scale fisheries subsector.

After the celebration, the Chair of the NPOA-SSF National Task Force team, Dr. Austin Mthethiwa provided a background to the NPOA-SSF development in the country. A Keynote presentation was given by Dr. Sloans Chimatiro, where he presented the NPOA-SSF and its linkage to the SSF Guidelines and other relevant policies; reminded participants of the value and importance of small-scale fisheries in Malawi for food, nutrition, employment, and livelihoods. Finally, he also highlighted some of the key actions and interventions needed based on the NPOA-SSF to ensure a sustainable small-scale fisheries subsector in the country, namely a new Fisheries Policy currently being drafted.

A panel moderated by Professor Sosten Chiotha focused on the challenges small-scale fisheries face, on the importance of de-risking small-scale fisheries-based enterprises, aligning the NPOA-SSF to the Malawi Agenda 2063, administration of small-scale fisheries management measures, women in small-scale fisheries and improving stakeholders’ engagement.

The panelists, Senior Traditional Authority Makanjira; Christen Malaidza, Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) Project; Dr Joseph Nagoli - National Planning Commission; Dr Dick Kachilonda – REFRESH; and Ms. Charity Penga -AWFISHNET, emphasized the significance of developing a stronger collaboration between national and local authorities, including local fishing communities; recognition of indigenous knowledge; strengthening traditional management systems; importance of climate change resilience; funding opportunities for small-scale fishers; the need for more support to women SSF actors to better access markets; and raising awareness amongst the general public and keeping the media interested.

A session of questions and answers followed when the members of parliament who were present at the event reafirmed their will to urge the Ministry to commit additional funds to implement the NPOA-SSF in Malawi.

Before the closure of the meeting, Dr. Sloans presented a draft Communique, where he highlighted the key points and take away messages from the event. The[MT1]  meeting was closed by the Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana, who thanked all for their contribution, not only to the successful High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue[MT2] , but also on the development of the NPOA-SSF for Malawi.

Access the page dedicated to Malawi in the SSF Guidelines website.

Learn more about the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries process.