The world body’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been picked as the lead agency in overseeing the commemoration of the year in collaboration with other relevant agencies of the UN system.
One may wonder whether there is really much in all this for countries like Tanzania. The answer will in all likelihood be an unqualified YES.
One simple and quick reason for this would relate to very definitions of the terms ‘artisanal’ (meaning ‘small-scale’) and aquaculture, the latter also known as aquafarming.
So, generally, these terms describe fisheries and aquaculture that use relatively small production units with relatively low input and low output as well as limited levels of technology and small capital investment.
Experts say that while fishing is the harvesting of already existing populations of fish and other aquatic animals, with seaweed harvesting considered differently, aquaculture is the purposeful cultivation and subsequent harvesting of both freshwater and marine aquatic plants and animals.
Already, it is as clear as daylight that the pride of place IFAYA 2022 has been honoured with is of monumental importance and relevance to Tanzania and other countries across the globe where small-time fisheries and aquafarming make a difference in the lives of local populations often without a better option to cling on in ensuring their survival.
IYAFA 2022 is aptly being marked under the motto ‘small in scale, big in value’, the spotlight being on the plight of small-scale fishers, fish farmers and fish workers and the role they play in food and nutrition security.
The UN would be happy seeing part of the focus being on the eradication of poverty and the sustainable use of natural resources. And what country – filthy rich or poor – honestly finds this inconsequential?
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