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Tanzania is one of the greatest fisheries nations
in Africa because of its long coastline and also its three major lakes and many rivers. It has an overall fisheries output of over 300,000 tons a year. The coastline spans 800 km, bordering Mozambique
on the south, and Kenya on the north. The Government of Tanzania's National Fisheries Policy of 1997 has as one of its four targets: to increase production and incomes of artisanal fisher folks.The Dar es Salaam and Coast Regions span the coast and are the traditional home of the artisanal fishermen. It is estimated that the standing stock within territorial waters is 100,000 tons. Only 51,000 tons is being harvested within the waters of a depth below 200 meters.
It is estimated that 20% of the annual catch does not reach the consumers due to post harvest losses caused by improper handling technology, lack of storage facilities, and poor transportation.
This project targets fishermen within Dar es Salaam urban and suburban villages south of Dar es Salaam. The project intends to promote artisanal fishing communities' work, as well as training retail and wholesale fish traders. The objectives are to expand their incomes and create employment opportunities through improved and sustainable harvesting, preservation, processing, and marketing techniques, as well as providing access to inputs and services.
CYDSF (Center for Young Dhow Seamen and Fishermen) was established by the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam to assist these young artisanal fishermen along the coast who are some of the most exploited people in the population. Because they are poor they cannot afford to buy a boat, nets, and other necessary equipment. They hire themselves out to rich boat owners and are paid a pittance for their labor. If their families do have a boat and equipment their catch can only be sold to middlemen. The fishermen have to accept the price the middleman is giving that day. The middleman then sells to the fishmongers at a higher price and it is they who make the profit.
Plans for the future include our Savings and Credit Scheme
(SCS). Already our extension workers have formed the young fishermen into 6 cooperatives. Each cooperative will be given the opportunity to receive a loan to build a boat, to buy a motor, nets, and
other necessary equipment. CYDSF will become the marketing center, thereby eliminating the middleman. Through this program we are trying to assist the fishermen to be self-employed and give them an
opportunity to improve the quality of their and their families' lives.CYDSF has an administrative and classroom block, a warehouse with a cold room and workshop, a multipurpose hall, a supervisors' staff house, and a guesthouse. It is located on a bay with easy access to the South Indian Ocean.
In our long range plans this program will be extended to Mafia Island, as part of MIDP, where many artisanal fishermen live.
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by Interactive Palette
