SDC_Youth Employment in Aswan Governorate; Extension of fisheries and aquaculture interventions_Semi-Annual Report_(1/7/2017 - 31/12/2017)

Abstract

Youth Employment in Aswan Governorate project, extension of fisheries and aquaculture, started in July 2017. SDC expressed interest in funding the extension of this project upon the end of first phase of the project in June 2017. The current extension phase of fisheries and aquaculture is implemented by WorldFish. The project aims to improved nutrition of and economic opportunities for poor Egyptians resulting from sustainable expansion and management of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors in Aswan. The project has three main output areas: Integrated and small-scale aquaculture systems; improve post-harvest handling and fish processing practices; and develop fisheries management plan for Lake Nasser including conservation measures and livelihood improvements for stakeholders. The project consultant continued provides technical support to four fish farms from previous season four new farms under construction. The project team promote aquaculture (fish farming) in target areas in low land areas in Wadi Sayeda and Nokra.. The project works closely with associations, GAFRD and Aswan University to promote aquaculture in the governorate. In fish processing area two innovative products (smoked fish and handmade leather product from fish skin) produced and under test for large scale promotion. Both product represent very good opportunities for job creation for youth and gender. The project outreached NGO`s and CDA for promoting product and wider engagement of local communities. Preparation for improving salted fish processing arranged and processing consultant started working with fishermen associations to improve current practices. Assessment of fish stock in the Lake completed, data analysed and arranging for stakeholders workshop to present the result of study. Stakeholder workshop is the first step to develop management plan of the Lake. The project works closely with MoALR to use the result finding in improving Lake Management. The vice minister of Agriculture and delegate from fisheries departments in the ministry visited project activities in the lake. During their visit they attended training on best fishing practices for fishers inside the lake. The delegate also visited solar cell supplied to fisherman camp and initial trial of fish smoking. This visit represented very good opportunity to present the project to local communities in Aswan, through governor meeting and TV interview with Vice Minister.