Empowering Coastal Communities: Transformative Solutions for Sustainable Fishing Practices.

In the remote village of Tandika, nestled within the Dunda ward in Bagamoyo Region, Anjela Jonas Mzirai is leading a transformative small fish business. With a determined spirit and community support, she has embraced opportunities provided by UNDP, the Government of Tanzania, and Japan to venture into the business of drying fish, particularly sardines.

Anjela's journey began with the provision of 10 fish drying racks from UNDP Tanzania with support from the Government of Japan through the Tackling Illegal Maritime Initiative. These racks have revolutionised sardine preservation and empowered the community economically. Anjela's initiative to share these benefits with fellow villagers has further boosted sustainable practices, fostering collective ownership and collaboration within the community.

"We used to struggle during the rainy season," Anjela explains. "Drying fish on the ground took forever and risked contamination. Now, with these fish drying racks, we can efficiently dry our fish, ensure quality, and increase income. The availability of clean and efficiently dried fish has attracted people from Dodoma, Dar Es Salaam, and beyond."

The impact of this initiative echoes beyond Anjela's household. The increased income from her business has enabled her group of seven women to invest in essential fishing tools, support their families, and pay for their children's education. “With our newfound financial stability, we are now eyeing further expansion into seaweed cultivation,” says Anjela.