Windhoek: The Erongo Region has recorded per capita fish consumption of 29.05 kilogrammes in rural areas and 31.56 kilogrammes in urban areas, well above the national average of 18.07 kilogrammes, according to the 2023 Namibia Fish Consumption Survey.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the figures formed the backdrop to the launch of the Erongo Governor's Fish Consumption Promotion Project in Swakopmund on Friday, aimed at improving access to fish and creating economic opportunities.
National Planning Commission Director General, Ambassador Kaire Mbuende said the initiative gives practical expression to Namibia's Blue Economy by linking marine resources with food security, enterprise development, employment and economic development. 'Marine resources must therefore do more than generate export earnings. They must contribute to food security, local value addition, enterprise development, employment and improved household incomes,' Mbuende said.
He said the project strengthens the value chain from fishing and processing to distribution, retail and consumption, with each of the 10 beneficiaries receiving a converted and branded fish shop container, equipment, cold-storage facilities, N$5 000 start-up capital, fish products and technical and business development support.
Beneficiaries also received training in cleaning, preparing and cooking fish products, while entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business management, food safety, hygiene, customer care, inventory management and marketing form part of planned support.
Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses said the initiative seeks to ensure that marine resources benefit communities, rather than leaving fish primarily as an export commodity. 'The fisheries sector extends beyond catching fish to logistics, cold storage, processing, retail, aquaculture, technology, marketing, tourism and research, urging young people to become entrepreneurs, innovators, employers and value creators,' she expressed.
/Goagoses also called for participation by women as business owners and decision-makers, saying the Blue Economy must be felt through jobs, opportunities and community participation in supply chains. She urged the fishing industry to deepen partnerships with communities through stronger local supply chains, better access to fish and increased value addition for local small businesses.
Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust Marketing and Communications Manager Eveline Stephanus said price and availability remain among factors affecting fish consumption despite Erongo's high consumption. She said promoting fish consumption is also an investment in healthier communities and can create opportunities across the fish value chain.
The project is being implemented through collaboration between the Office of the Governor, Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust, fishing industry partners and local authorities.