In the recently concluded comprehensive assessment of fish farming associations in Mozambique’s Southern Region, the MAMAP project in collaboration with Instituto de Desenvolvimento da Pesca e Aquacultura (IDEPA) and Associação Moçambicana de Promoção do Cooperativismo Moderno (AMPC) visited and assessed 6 fish farming assocations. 

The visited associations include, Dingani Association, Zavala, Macomane Development Association, Associacao 3 de Fevereiro-Ucuana in Inharrime, Associacao de desenvolvimento, Makomane, Chiticua fish farming group, and Mabile fish farmers, in Maxixe

The assocations are engaged in a wide range of activities including; Agriculture, Handicrafts, Livestock, Beekeeping and Fish Farming and some conduct their activities in collaboration with the District Economic activities services department, responsible for the promotion of all economic activities at the local government level 

Focused group discussions with association members brought to light the enormous challenges that fish farmers face like loss of fish due to poor storage facilities, lower prices at the markets, poor quality feedstock, and limited or lack of access to financing services.

In their interaction with the fish farming associations, representatives from IDEPA and AMPC emphasized the need to turn the associations into cooperatives owing to the advantages enshrined in cooperatives. 

“Cooperatives encourage resource sharing as they allow fishers to share equipment, facilities, and knowledge, which can reduce costs and improve efficiency. This is especially beneficial for smaller fishers who may not have access to modern equipment individually” – Julia Fernando, AMPCM representative