By: Hertha Ekandjo

The University of Namibia (Unam) and Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) signed a memorandum of understanding and laid the ground for a national survey of fish consumption per capita.

The survey, which will be done at a cost of N$3 million, will help assess the Namibian fishing industry’s nutritional value additions, as well as determine the preferred type of fish at regional levels in order to address hunger and poverty in certain regions.

The signing ceremony took place at the Unam Sam Nujoma Campus at Henties Bay on Monday.

Field work has already begun including training for 70 enumerators who are to be deployed in different regions across the nation to carry out the survey.

The administrative aspect of the survey began in April 2023, and fieldwork is planned to start later this month and conclude in September this year.

In the project, NFCPT is in partnership with the Henties Bay-based Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC), a full-fledged multidisciplinary research Centre of the Unnam with the mandate to promote research and development activities in the field of marine science and coastal resources.

The survey’s main objectives include determining Namibia’s per capita fish consumption, evaluating the value of fish consumed locally annually, identifying regional fish consumption patterns in each region, and determining the preferred type of fish at the regional level.

NFCPT Chief Executive Officer Victor Pea said the current fish consumption per capita stands at 16.59 kg, an improvement from 11.4 kg in 2018, but still below the world average of 20.4 kg.

Pea said they anticipate a significant increase after the completion of the survey, as required by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

“Achieving our target of 20.4 kg fish consumption per person per year necessitates the consumption of approximately 51,000 MT (metric tonnes) of fish, valued at around N$787 million, within various towns in Namibia,” he said.

Unam Vice Chancellor Kenneth Matengu said SANUMARC, in collaboration with NFCPT, is well-equipped and capable of conducting the survey.

“The University of Namibia has a strong research pedigree, and our expertise in marine and coastal studies will ensure the collection of accurate and valuable data for informed decision-making regarding fish consumption in Namibia,” Matengu said.

During the same event, Samuel Mafwila, who doubles as the Sam Nujoma Campus & the Centre,  expressed pride in that SANUMARC has established itself as a prominent and reliable research Centre, and player in generating scientific, social and economic knowledge for the benefit of the fishing industry and the nation at large. “Our dedicated team is fully prepared to undertake the survey,” he said.

“With our expertise and experience, we are confident in our ability to deliver accurate and comprehensive data that will contribute to the advancement of the fish consumption landscape in Namibia.” Mafwila noted.

The NFCPT promotes fish consumption in the country, making it accessible and affordable. Currently, it operates 18 fish shops in 17 towns, covering all 14 regions of the country. Its shops offer quality frozen fish and products, including horse mackerel and hake, as well as fresh and tinned fish.

The trust has a staff of 149 employees, 48% female and 52% male.

Meanwhile, on World Ocean Day, celebrated yesterday under the theme, “Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing”, which is a reminder and a call to action to protect and preserve our oceans.

President Hage Geingob once stated oceans are “vital to human life on our beloved planet Earth”.

“Namibia’s thriving fisheries sector provides employment and economic prosperity to thousands of Namibians, as well as food security. Namibia’s economic future and the livelihoods of many of its people are highly dependent on the state of our ocean,” President Geingob added.

“It is therefore important for us to pull together to ensure the sustainability of our ocean and its resources. Now more than ever, it is imperative to collaborate in promoting sustainable development in the blue economy and investing in renewable energy, marine tourism, and sustainable aquaculture for economic growth. Let us conserve our oceans and coastal areas and safeguard marine life from harmful effects,” he concluded.