Enabling poor rural people
to overcome poverty
Mozambique: Sofala Bank artisanal fisheries project
The fishing resources of the Sofala bank are extremely rich, but are under threat from numerous sources. This project supports the Government in its efforts to promote the artisanal fisheries sub-sector, to monitor and regulate fishing activities, and ensure that poor fishing communities have the means to improve their incomes. It trains fishers in new skills and technologies to increase their catch and in the sustainable use of the natural resource base, improved processing techniques and linkages to microfinance institutions and markets to facilitate the purchase of equipment and inputs, and the sale of produce.
The BFFS grant is used to set up community health care facilities and train health care staff, construct and rehabilitate water points and primary schools. It is also being used to fund the training of community health care workers and birth attendants, help build the capacity of local water management committees, and provide training on various topics to community leaders and representatives - literacy, health, basic sanitation and nutrition. BFFS particularly focuses on promoting the social and economic empowerment of women.