The Namibian Government is seeking to strengthen access to affordable fish across the country, with a renewed focus on food security, improved nutrition and ensuring that more citizens benefit from the country’s marine resources.
The initiative places the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) at the centre of efforts to increase domestic fish consumption and improve distribution to communities beyond the coastal regions. Addressing the matter, government highlighted that Namibia’s marine resources contribute significantly to the national economy through employment creation, export earnings, investment and livelihoods. However, the benefits of these resources should extend beyond economic growth to improve the quality of life of ordinary Namibians.
Fish is an important source of protein and essential nutrients, and increasing its consumption could contribute to healthier communities and improved food and nutrition security. Government emphasised that fish should be accessible and affordable to people across all regions, including rural communities and areas far from the coast, where transportation and distribution costs can affect availability and prices. The NFCPT has an important role in promoting fish consumption, strengthening domestic distribution networks and ensuring that more Namibians benefit directly from the fisheries sector. Through targeted interventions and partnerships, the Trust can also support efforts to address food insecurity, assist vulnerable communities and strengthen resilience during droughts and other emergencies.
Expanding access to affordable fish will require innovative and cost-effective approaches to transportation, storage and distribution, particularly to underserved inland communities. The emphasis on domestic consumption also highlights the importance of balancing the economic value of Namibia’s fisheries with their contribution to household nutrition and livelihoods. Government’s stated objective is to ensure that the country’s marine resources deliver wider social benefits, regardless of where people live or their economic circumstances. Improving the availability and affordability of fish therefore remains an important part of efforts to strengthen food security and ensure that Namibia’s fisheries contribute more directly to the wellbeing of its people.
By Rudi Bowe
