The training, which was aimed at honing the business skills of participants to ensure maximum profits, was part of UNIDO GEF 6 CCA GAMBIA FISHERIES PROJECT being implemented by the Department of fisheries and other partners.
At the event, Banbanding Kanyi, project Coordinator, acknowledged that climate change poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly in the fisheries sector.
He noted that this is even evident in alarming sea temperatures, shifting ocean currents, unpredictable weather patterns, heat waves and cold spells, among others, which he said, are affecting fish stocks and the communities that depend on them.
“These impacts jeopardize national food security, especially for the most vulnerable populations,” Mr. Kanyi said.
According to him, the fisheries sector, and in particular post-catch handling, storage, and processing activities carried out by artisanal fishing communities, remains largely un-adapted to the effects of climate change.
The project, according to officials, will be working in coastal areas and focusing on fisheries value chains.
Officials are of the view that a cross-sector coordination and guidelines on mainstreaming climate resilience building models and uptake in enterprise business plans required well targeted policy and regulatory action plans.
“Climate change also exacerbated stresses on coastal fisheries production and post-harvest management systems, and compounded by weaknesses of business models in addressing climate resilience and gender mainstreaming actions, amidst population influxes and dependence of coastal communities. It is a common belief that small-scale fisher folks, and processing and marketing enterprises awareness on impacts of climate change is poorly understood.”
The UNIDO GEF 6 project coordinator equally observes that fish processing and exporting enterprises and locally registered commercial fishing companies are challenged by external factors such as inadequately sited business and technology propositions and viability.
In light of that, Kanyi revealed that to be considered a competitive player in today’s economy, one must possess the right set of business skills, to become more efficient and effective in meeting goals and opening up new opportunities.
“Business skills refer to several capabilities that can help one to excel in the work place. Business skills are crucial for fish processors in the fisheries sector for several key reasons. Whether operating at a small-scale, artisanal level or in a large commercial operation, strong business acumen enhances efficiency, profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness. A fish processor with solid business skills is more likely to run a successful, compliant, and sustainable operation. In the competitive fisheries sector, such skills are not optional—they are a core requirement for growth and resilience.”
Thus, he said, the GCCI has manifested its ultimate desire to ensure that businesses in the country are mainstream to accommodate climate change resilience.
