In November, ABALOBI joined vibrant conversations at the 23rd Fisher Forum in Kwale, Mombasa, and spent time with the Chale Beach Management Unit (BMU) community. These experiences shone a spotlight on the power of collaboration and the resilience of small-scale fishing communities. From heartfelt discussions about the challenges fishers face to brainstorming innovative solutions, the visit reinforced ABALOBI’s commitment to empowering fishing communities to secure sustainable futures.
The Fisher Forum: From Coconut Tree to Regional Movement
The Fisher Forum is East Africa’s largest gathering of fishers, scientists, NGOs, and policymakers. It started humbly in Mombasa under a coconut tree, where about 20 fishers met to share knowledge. Today, it’s a bustling event with over 250 attendees, bringing together voices from Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Mozambique.
This year’s theme, Celebrating Successes and Restoring Nearshore Fisheries Sustainability, set the tone for dynamic discussions on pressing issues such as declining fish stocks, rising living costs, and pollution. Participants didn’t shy away from the hard truths:
“We know the reefs are bad—so what are we going to do about it? We can’t wait for others to act; it starts with us.”
Speakers encouraged fishers to take the lead in driving change, with one suggestion being that communities not only participate in but fund local research. Tula, one of the keynote speakers, put it perfectly:
“Fishers are rich, but we eat tomorrow’s fish.”
For ABALOBI, the forum was an energising reminder of the importance of empowering communities through knowledge and practical tools.
A Day with the Chale BMU: Insights and Opportunities
Our visit to the Chale BMU was full of meaningful conversations about the future. The fishers shared their challenges such as declining fish stocks, limited access to markets, and a need for better equipment. Despite these hurdles, their enthusiasm for finding solutions was contagious.
We introduced the ABALOBI Marketplace concept, explaining how small-scale fishers in South Africa have improved their incomes by focusing on quality, transparency, and fair pricing. We spoke about setting up such a platform in Kenya as a long-term goal, the Chale community embraced the idea with optimism.
Here’s what stood out during our visit:
Market Access: The fishers recognised the potential of supplying local markets, like hotels in Diani, but agreed it would require a shift in thinking toward sustainable practices.
Technology for Growth: The BMU was excited about setting up a tech station powered by Starlink. They’ve already started planning how to incorporate connectivity costs into their management budget—an inspiring step toward self-sufficiency.
Data as a Tool: Accurate, community-driven data collection was a recurring theme. The BMU expressed interest in learning from ABALOBI’s experiences in South Africa, particularly around data sharing and using insights to advocate for better resources and practices.
The Road Ahead: Patience and Progress
Building sustainable fisheries is a marathon, not a sprint. These systems require time, trust, and teamwork, but the potential for transformation is clear. During our conversations, we emphasised the importance of starting small and staying committed.
For example, the Chale BMU is already exploring partnerships with local businesses and organisations to strengthen value chains and improve access to resources.
Meanwhile, ABALOBI is committed to raising funds for fisher exchanges, offering communities the chance to learn from each other and strengthen their networks.
At the heart of it all is a shared understanding: this is about more than fish, it’s about people, their livelihoods, and their futures.
Join Us in Supporting Coastal Communities
ABALOBI’s will continue to work in Kenya and with the resilience and determination of communities like Chale BMU, the possibilities are endless. Together, we can turn conversations into action, ensuring that small-scale fishers have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.