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"An immediate investment of around $60 million would kick-start a five-pronged strategy that can quickly improve the contribution of fish to African food security."

1. Support capture fisheries

Although aquaculture has great growth potential, capture fisheries will continue to provide most of the fish for decades to come. Investments are needed to develop improved fisheries and environmental management practices that promote and protect Africa's small, labour-intensive coastal and inland fisheries.

2. Develop aquaculture

Aquaculture will play an increasing role in African food security. Small integrated fishing-farming operations will provide employment for growing populations in remote rural areas. Around the cities, opportunistic small operations will spring up to meet demand from growing urban populations. The success of this new micro-enterprise sector will depend on investment to create effective support services.

3. Improve fish market chains

In many parts of Africa, post-harvest losses to spoilage due to inadequate landing, processing and trading sites exceed 30% of the catch. Weak market infrastructure in rural areas means most fish is still marketed as dried and/or smoked products. Investments to support small-scale businesses, most of them headed by women entrepreneurs, in processing and marketing could improve food and nutritional security for both producers (more income) and consumers (better quality and more quantity).

4. Increase benefits from fish trade

Local and regional fish trade is already substantial but has the potential to grow. Regional cooperation and appropriate national policies can provide a major market stimulus and reinforce national and regional food security.

5. Support decision-makers with information

Changing fish market structures, supplies and prices will have an impact on food availability and the nutritional sta
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