Fatshimetry
The turbulent waters of the Congo River are the scene of one of the most important activities for many communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo – artisanal fishing. According to data from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, this sector represents 99% of fishing activity on the river and its tributaries. However, despite this important contribution to the local economy, major challenges remain to better organize the fishing and aquaculture sector in the country.
During a recent workshop organized by the African Union Inter-African Animal Resources Bureau (AU-IBAR) with financial support from Norway and Sweden, it was highlighted that most fish available on the Congolese market are actually imported from Namibia. This dependence on imports highlights an urgent need to strengthen domestic fish production to ensure food security and create jobs locally.
To respond to this challenge, the DRC government recently ordered eight fishing boats from Egypt, with the aim of boosting fishing activities nationally. This initiative is laudable, but it alone will not be enough to resolve the structural problems of the sector. It is essential to put in place more comprehensive and sustainable measures to promote well-organized and environmentally friendly artisanal fishing.
The national president of the Network for the Integral Development of Congo (REDIC), Patricia Maisha Ishingwa, emphasizes that the good management of fishery resources is essential to ensure the sustainability of fishing activity in the DRC. This requires strengthening governance and regulation of the sector, ensuring that local fishermen have fair access to resources and benefit from decent working conditions.
Experts in aquatic ecology, such as Professor Mutambwe Shango, warn of the risks of overfishing and degradation of aquatic ecosystems. They call for a more holistic approach to the management of fisheries resources, which takes into account the ecological, social and economic aspects of artisanal fishing.
Finally, water law specialists, such as Professor Aser Nzomfu, underline the importance of strengthening the legal and regulatory framework to regulate fishing activity and protect the rights of fishermen. It is essential to involve local stakeholders, local communities and civil society organizations in the development of policies and strategies aimed at promoting sustainable and equitable artisanal fishing in the DRC.
In conclusion, to better organize the fishing and aquaculture sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is imperative to adopt an integrated, inclusive and sustainable approach.. This involves strengthening governance, protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring decent working conditions for local fishermen. By working together and involving all stakeholders, it is possible to transform the fisheries sector into an engine of economic and social development for the entire country.