The Ripple Effect of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted and threatened lives worldwide. One of the many effects of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed in response to its spread, was a significant threat to food security in coastal communities, especially the poor and most vulnerable.

In an effort to curb the spread of the virus, the South African government implemented various measures that impacted fishing communities in many different ways: fishers were allowed to catch fish but were required to sell them in bulk, primarily to large processing establishments from outside their communities. An unintended consequence of this measure was that the fish was no longer sold to individual community members who relied on this fish as a source of sustenance.

Our Critical Role

With the shutdown of the hospitality industry, ABALOBI quickly adapted. We distributed and delivered fish to coastal communities when fishers and the hospitality industry were prevented from doing so. This role was essential to support poor fishing communities and address the issue of food security.

Given the ongoing and uncertain nature of the strict lockdown restrictions, the distribution of affordable, nutritious fish in poor fishing communities became a key task, and ABALOBI was one of the few establishments well-positioned to fulfill this role and prevent coastal communities from experiencing food insecurity.

Our Impact

ABALOBI became a crucial tool and platform to engage with fishers and keep them informed during this global crisis, helping coastal communities navigate through this difficult time.