Earlier this month, Conservation South Africa (CSA) collaborated with ABALOBI to conduct a comprehensive training session aimed at empowering small-scale fishing (SSF) communities in Port Nolloth and Hondeklip Bay. This two-day event, held on the 4th and 5th of June, was designed to equip CSA staff and representatives from the SSF cooperatives with essential knowledge and skills to utilize the latest platforms and technologies. The training proved to be an enriching experience for all participants.
Day One: Setting the Foundation
Warehouse Tour and MP Operations: The training kicked off with a tour of the local warehouse where participants gained valuable insights into the Management Procedure operations, understanding the intricate processes that ensure the smooth functioning of the warehouse. This practical exposure set the stage for the sessions that followed.
Introduction: The team provided a brief introduction to the organization, its objectives, components, and the Theory of Change that drives its initiatives. The initiatives are aimed at uplifting and enriching fishing communities by providing affordable, quality fish, strengthening local economies, leveraging technology and sustaining traditional fishing practices. The presentation resonated well, and attendees were enthusiastic about the potential benefits for their communities.
ABALOBI TalentLMS: The focus then shifted to the TalentLMS portal. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of training modules, instructional videos, and resources tailored to the needs of fishing communities. Participants were particularly interested in the possibility of custom short courses designed to address specific community needs. The platform offers a blended learning approach, combining online and in-person training for maximum impact.
Day Two: Deep Dive into Practical Applications
Recap and Review: The second day began with a recap of the previous day's sessions. Through a series of questions, participants demonstrated a good grasp of the material, although some key points were reiterated to ensure a solid understanding.
Registering on the FISHER App: Next, the team walked the participants through a practical session involving step-by-step guidance on registering fishers using the ABALOBI Fisher App. Despite being a straightforward process, it was essential to cover it thoroughly to build participants' confidence. The group quickly grasped the procedure, enabling them to assist fishers with registration effectively in their communities.
FISHER App Features: Our team then dived deeper into the FISHER App, exploring its features and benefits as a daily business management tool for fishers. The app allows fishers real-time access to their data and facilitates sharing with stakeholders, thereby legitimising their work and highlighting their contributions to the community’s livelihood. We used hands-on practice and scenario sheets to enhance the learning experience.
"Fish with a Story" & Operations: The session concluded with an overview of the “Fish with a Story” model and the community-supported fisheries concept. Discussions on cold chain management, quality control, and logistics provided a comprehensive understanding of the operations behind this innovative model.
Feedback from Participants
The training was well-received, with participants expressing appreciation for the relevance and quality of the content.
Philip Barnard, Kelp & Climate Specialist, Conservation South Africa: “The app is an appropriate tool for the small-scale fishing communities of the Northern Cape. I’m joining this app to learn and introduce this platform to the fishing membership of our coastal communities.”
Overall, 75% of participants rated the content as excellent, while 100% found the ABALOBI TalentLMS app user-friendly and felt they gained valuable new knowledge.
This training marks a significant step towards strengthening small-scale fisheries in the Northern Cape, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for these communities.