What are AU-IBAR’s perspectives on Coral Reef fisheries and attendant benefits? What are the consequences with regards to livelihoods, food security and environmental threats? Hellen Moepi, Fisheries Officer at AU IBAR, answers these concerns based on the Africa Blue Economy Strategy. There are presented during her opening speech on behalf of the AU IBAR Acting Director during the workshop of launching the project for “Enhancing Livelihoods, Food Security and Maritime Safety through Increased Resilience of Fishing Communities Dependent on Coral Reef Fisheries in the African Coastal Counties of the Indian Ocean” held on 23^rd February 2021 in Kilifi County, Kenya. The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the support of Government of Japan.

The Africa Blue Economy Strategy has a vision for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth and aims to guide the development of an inclusive and sustainable blue economy. The strategy is a significant contributor to continental change and growth through advancing knowledge on marine and aquatic biotechnology, environmental sustainability, the growth of an Africa-wide shipping industry, the development of sea, river and lake transport, the management of fishing activities on these aquatic spaces, and the exploitation and beneficiation of deep sea mineral and other resources.

 © 2021 AU-IBAR. Zoom conference on the prominent place of working animals in food safety

A virtual conference on the role of working animals in food security during the COVID 19 pandemic was held on February 10, 2021. It was organized by Brooke Hospital for animals, a member of the coalition for action for animal health, in partnership with AU- IBAR. The event was also an occasion to present the report on “the contribution of working livestock to the food security agenda for policy and programming: the urgent case for recognition.”
Civil society experts, international organizations, and academia from around the world participated in the conference.

The conference recalled that, in Africa, small-scale farmers produce half of the food requirements in calories. These small producers play a key role in reducing hunger and malnutrition. As in almost all sectors, the COVID pandemic has had adverse effects on famers’ activities. For instance productivity and production has slowed down and a poor market prices is observed in some countries. Most of these farmers are women, and many of them depend on working animals to cultivate and irrigate their crops for income, enabling them to meet their basic needs, including food.

“It is important to keep in mind that working livestock are critical assets to their owners. They provide direct income across a wide range of sectors, particularly agriculture and also enable economic activities and time savings for their owners. Working animals, like horses and donkeys, play a vital role in facilitating farmer agriculture and food production. However, it’s observed policies and program on working animals are rarely appear on the agendas in international forums. ” indicates Hiver Boussini, Animal Health Officer, AU-IBAR.