Mali: Sustain fisheries and fisheries-related livelihoods in the inner delta of the

22. Mali: Sustain fisheries and fisheries-related livelihoods in the inner delta of the

River Niger, Mali. Goal: Sustain fisheries and fisheries-related livelihoods in the Inner Delta of the River Niger, Mali. Rationale: Capture fisheries are enormously important to the livelihoods of the populations that live along the Niger River, particularly in the inner delta. Official data are scant, but Zwarts et al. 2006 estimate that one-third of the population of the inner delta depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. Fish produced in the delta reach a wider group still—with dried fish in particular representing an important affordable source of animal protein to populations in Mali and neighboring countries. Yet population pressure, conflict over competition for the use of water resources, shifting governance systems and infrastructure development threaten the fishery and the livelihoods associated with it. The role of dams is particularly critical. Improvements to existing infrastructure are more likely to increase economic growth and reduce poverty than building new dams Zwarts et al ., 2006. Strategy: USAID should adopt a four-pronged approach to strengthen fisheries and fisheries livelihoods in the inner Delta of the River Niger in Mali. • Support efforts to improve information on the worth of the fishery output value, population numbers depending on the fishery, stakeholder analysis, etc., to help inform investment and policy decisions. • Support the development of appropriate assessment and adaptive management mechanisms incorporating a stronger focus on community information and enforcement, to both assess and manage the fisheries. • Strengthen livelihoods associated with fish trade and processing, working particularly with women’s groups, through value chain analysis and market research, business services development, and capacity development for traders processors and providers of critical services. • Support improved health of fishing communities particularly migrant communities, by working with community groups to strengthen key public health messages and improve access to health services; HIVAIDS should be a particular focus, given the well-documented susceptibility of fishing communities to HIVAIDS Gordon, 2005.

23. Mozambique: Improve fisheries governance and capacity development