John Linton Natural Resources Institute Fisheries and Aquaculture – The Case Studies

The case study countries: -Egypt -Ghana -Maldives -Tanzania -South Africa -Vietnam Purpose of this presentation -To present the main lessons learned from six case studies

Egypt We chose Egypt because it is Africa’s largest producer of farmed fish by far.

Ghana We chose Ghana because it fishing and eating fish is deeply engrained in their culture

Maldives We chose the Maldives because it has a major export industry based on artisanal fishing

South Africa We chose the South Africa because it has a developed industry that has undergone change

Tanzania We chose Tanzania because it’s artisanal fishery services a demanding export market

Vietnam We chose Vietnam because the aquaculture sector is large, dynamic, innovative and growing.

Lesson 1: It’s not all gloom and doom Business associated with fisheries and aquaculture can be, and indeed are profitable. Domestic, regional and international markets are strong and are likely to remain so. As long as you can produce what the market wants at a price it can afford, you are in business. But the ability to do this depends on:

Lesson 2: Partnerships for success Finance Business Skills Technical Skills The Enabling Environment

The moving parts: Finance Business Skills Technical Skills Finance You need someone to pay for all the costs for setting up and running a business to the point where it is on its feet Technical skills You need someone who knows what they are doing Business skills You need someone who is able to bring it all together and make a profit. Sometimes (rarely) you find all of the above in one person/organisation. But, if not, you need to build partnerships.

The moving parts (2) A business may function in the absence of the above, but the chances are that the smart money will chase easier opportunities The Enabling Environment Access to the basic resources (land and water) Sustainability of above ‘Health’ of the value chain Access to (skilled) labour Government services (SPS/Inspection etc) Incentives Obligations To name a few

Observations: Finance – the negatives -If you can afford it, you don’t need it. -If you don’t understand it, you won’t finance it. -If you do understand it, you still mightn’t like it! -If you don’t understand it, you won’t know what to ask for. -It’s not worth the candle

Observations: Finance – the positives –Innovation works –Vertical integration works –Partnership works Between the business & the financier Between the financier and those who create the enabling environment –Determination works

Observations: Technical Skills –Like any business, success depends on how well you do it. –By and large, those in the business know what they are doing. –By and large, those entering the business don’t. –There is a difference between knowing how to fish and having a driving passion to create a successful fishing venture.

Observations: Management Skills –More failures are down to management than down to technical ability. –Lack of management ability is a recurring theme. –None the less, there are able entrepreneurs. You just need to know where to look! –Equity supports better management. Debt doesn’t.

Observations: The Enabling Environment –The enabling environment is the key success factor for long term engagement –Multiple partners contribute –Donors play a major role. –Donor support addresses risk

Roles and responsibilities Government & donors Private Sector Support Services Enabling Environment Finance( ) Skills( ) ( ) Business Sense ( )