Small scale farmers motivated by being part of strategy to develop the aquaculture sector in Eastern Cape
Representatives of communal and small-scale aquaculture and fisheries cooperatives in the province expressed motivation for being part of the crafting of an inclusive provincial aquaculture and fisheries development strategy aimed at development of the sector in the Eastern Cape.
The two-day workshop, organised by the department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council, was attended representatives department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, private sector, department of economic affairs, environment and tourism, Walter Sisulu University and municipalities.
“What is important about this gathering is that we have learnt a lot and that has made us to be more determined to succeed in our enterprises. Out of this we are going back with resolutions that the departments, private sector and communities should work together to develop the sector in rural areas,” said Mvesilo Tshemese representing aquaculture cooperatives from the OR Tambo District.
He said the licensed cooperatives in the Coffee Bay, Port St Johns and Bizana areas were supported with diving gear and other fishing equipment by DRDAR.
“We thank the department very much for its support,” he said adding that the fishing industry was very lucrative and had a potential to change the economic landscape of the province hence uplifting their standard of living.
“At first the buyers came from outside and they were making a lot of money. Now the DFFE has decided to give that opportunity to local people and we are seeing the difference in our lives. There’s a lot of money in selling ocean products,” Tshemese said.
“It is tough to get it to fishing now because of the strict regulations but those interested should form co-ops and consult the DFFE so that they can get into this lucrative industry. Young people want to get into this business but laws need to be relaxed to allow more people in.
“We feel the laws does not cater for us as people who live close to the ocean because it can take three years or so to register – it’s a long process,” he said.
DRDAR director for animal research Mfundo Macanda said the department as the custodian of rural development and food security programmes so it fit to develop a strategy in consultation with stakeholders from government and its agencies; organised labour, industry and associations; and community constituency.
“There’s a need to coordinate each other for improved food security for all and sustainable rural livelihood. We need to ensure emerging farmers get into agriculture value chain and have sustainable reliable market for their products.
“This sector has the potential to meaningfully contribute towards food security, economic development, job creation, and rural development,” he said.
To support the sectors‘ sustainable growth, the strategy will be inclusive in addressing the challenges of the sectors and support initiatives required for a sustainable development and management, added Macanda.
DFFE Director for Small-Scale Fisheries Management Abongile Ngqongwa said it was good that the province has called the workshop where they shared information and crafted a way forward.
“It won’t help to work in silos, we need to work together and complement each as government officials and private sector for meaningful impact,” Ngqongwa said.
He said training and capacity building for small scale farmers was on cards, adding that a full time mentor for each of the 92 licensed cooperatives will be appointed soon.
Kingfisher Enterprises managing director Andre Bok said small-scale farmers should get “as much information as possible.”
“This is a lucrative industry but information and knowledge is key for small-scale farmers. We appreciate the support given by government to these cooperatives and our company is also working with some of the cooperatives to assist them to develop,” Bok said.
For more information please contact:
Mr Thozi Manyisana
Cell: 082 494 3600
