Stakeholders Gather in Mombasa to Enhance Gender and Climate Considerations in Octopus Fisheries

Mombasa: From 3rd to 5th June 2025, stakeholders from across the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region have convened for a regional consultative workshop aimed at validating a study focused on strengthening gender dimensions, climate change, and environmental considerations in regional value chains for small-scale octopus fisheries. The workshop is organized by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), with backing from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), under the project Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy. According to African Press Organization, the gathering features over 30 participants, including government representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Comoros, alongside small-scale fishers, fish workers, women's groups, non-state actors, academic and research institutions, and regional policy experts. The primary aim is to validate findings from a study conducted by Prof. Bernard F ulanda of Pwani University. This study assesses the current state of the octopus fisheries value chain and suggests mechanisms to enhance gender inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainability within the sector. The workshop aligns with two critical African Union policy frameworks. The African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES), endorsed in 2020, promotes sustainable and inclusive use of aquatic resources, emphasizing integrated governance, ecosystem-based management, and gender-responsive policies. The Continental Strategy for Gender Mainstreaming in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management, adopted in February 2024, calls for inclusive participation of women and youth in aquatic resource governance, particularly within small-scale fisheries. These frameworks guide the workshop agenda to ensure outcomes address priorities in gender equity, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. The event commenced with welcome remarks by Francisca Gonoh, on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, reaffirming AU-IBAR's commitment to sustainable octopus fisheries. Mr. Collins Ndoro Kambu, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Kenya Fisheries Service Coast and Marine Office, Mombasa, highlighted Kenya's efforts to integrate octopus fisheries into its national Blue Economy Strategy. He emphasized the need for policy and infrastructure improvements to support the high market potential of this predominantly small-scale fishery. He also referenced this year's Madaraka Day theme, "Our Waters, Our Wealth," reinforcing Kenya's commitment to sustainable aquatic resource use. Participants received overviews of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project, the African Blue Economy Strategy, and the Continental Gender Strategy to provide context for the study's validation. Prof. Bernard Fulanda presented the draft study report, based on field assessments in Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and Madagascar. Key findings highlighted high female participation in the fisheries sector, systematic exclusion of women from co- management structures, increasing environmental stress, inadequate infrastructure, unequal access to markets, and promising locally led conservation models. Throughout the workshop, stakeholders are grouped by country to assess national contexts, validate study findings, and co-develop recommendations. Sessions include fisherwomen sharing personal experiences and identifying practical solutions for gender-transformative and environmentally sustainable practices. By the workshop's conclusion, participants aim to develop a draft proposal for a regional fisher network, adopt a communiqué outlining next steps for finalizing the study, expand engagement to countries like Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius, and mobilize regional investment. The validated study will inform AU-IBAR's efforts to advance gender-equitable governance in small-scale fisheries across AU Member States, promote climate-resilient value chains, strengthen coordination on aquatic biodiversity conservation, and support fisher-led initiative s through technical assistance, policy advocacy, and knowledge exchange. Prioritizing inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability in fisheries management is crucial for Africa's blue economy transformation.