Unam and NFCPT join forces
Investment of N$3 million to boost research
The partnership seeks to conduct a comprehensive national survey and implement effective strategies to promote per-capita fish consumption throughout the country.
In an effort to enhance fish consumption and strengthen the fishing industry in Namibia, the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) and the University of Namibia (Unam) have joined forces in a collaborative agreement worth N$3 million.This partnership seeks to conduct a comprehensive national survey and implement effective strategies to promote per-capita fish consumption throughout the country. The two entities secured their partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that took place at Unam’s main campus in Windhoek on Monday.
The survey project, which began administrative preparations in April 2023, is scheduled to commence fieldwork later this month and will cover all regions at household levels to identify social-economic benefits derived from fish consumption. With an investment of N$3 million, the comprehensive data collection and analysis process will be supported, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the survey's outcomes. The project is expected to conclude in September 2023.
Develop strategies
The NFCPT will work closely with Unam's Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (Sanumarc), located at the Sam Nujoma Campus in Henties Bay.
Sanumarc, equipped with expertise in marine and coastal studies, will play a pivotal role in collecting accurate data and providing valuable insights.
By evaluating consumption patterns, the survey will identify the preferred types of fish in different regions and assess the value of fish consumed locally annually.
The findings will enable the NFCPT and relevant stakeholders to develop strategies to increase fish consumption, contribute to poverty eradication, and build a healthier Namibian workforce.
Investigation
Victor Pea, the chief executive officer of NFCPT, expressed optimism about the collaboration and its potential outcomes.
"In recent years, there has been a narrative that the per-capita fish consumption for Namibia has improved to about 16.5 kg per person per year. Therefore, the survey is essential to validate or disprove this narrative and establish the real per-capita fish consumption for the country," Pea explained.
"The significance of the survey findings cannot be overstated, as they will help us assess the contribution of the fishing sector to nutritional value addition, food security, and efforts to address hunger and poverty within communities."