Support to the New Small-Scale Fisheries Cooperatives
Post
Published 12. Jan 2025 by lara_mullins
Strengthening Co-ops & Empowering Fishers: ABALOBI’s Next Steps in Elands Bay

ABALOBI is setting sail for stronger co-operatives, more informed fishers, and better market opportunities in Elands Bay. With upcoming engagements, training sessions, and deeper collaboration on the horizon, our focus is on supporting both fishers and their co-ops to make the most of the ABALOBI platform.

Supporting Co-ops for Collective Success

Fishing co-operatives like Elands Bay's Primary Fishing Cooperative (Kleinbegin) play a crucial role in organising fishers, advocating for fair pricing, and ensuring sustainable practices. That’s why strengthening our relationship with Kleinbegin is a priority.

  • Aligning on shared goals – Ensuring co-ops and ABALOBI work together to maximise benefits for fishers.
  • Providing insights – Equipping co-ops with market data to help them negotiate better deals and improve decision-making.
  • Identifying challenges – Understanding co-op needs and barriers to participation so we can co-develop solutions.

By supporting the leadership and operational needs of co-ops, we can create a more resilient and empowered small-scale fishing sector.

Keeping Fishers in the Loop

Fishers using the ABALOBI platform are the backbone of the movement towards fairer, more sustainable fishing. The upcoming engagement will:

  • Ensure active fishers stay informed about platform developments, new features, and upcoming opportunities.
  • Highlight the power of accurate data in strengthening pricing, market access, and long-term planning.
  • Encourage collaboration between fishers and their co-op leadership to drive shared success.

More consistent data logging, tracking, and market insights will not only benefit individual fishers but also strengthen the entire co-op’s ability to negotiate better terms and expand market access.

Fisher App Training for Co-op Boards

For co-ops to fully support their members, their leadership needs to be just as equipped as the fishers. That’s why we’re arranging Fisher App training for the Kleinbegin Board, covering:

  • Hands-on experience with the app’s features and functions.
  • How data logging benefits co-op-led negotiations, market access, and sustainability efforts.
  • Ways for Board members to support fishers in using the platform effectively.

By building digital and market literacy at the leadership level, we can create a stronger bridge between co-ops, fishers, and ABALOBI’s tools.

A Future Built on Collaboration

By strengthening co-operatives, expanding knowledge, and ensuring continuous engagement, ABALOBI is committed to helping fishers and their co-ops thrive in a changing market.

The path forward is clear: When co-ops and fishers have the right tools, data, and support, they can drive long-term success together.