Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project

Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project

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  • Assessment of Progress on Key Factors in Ghana’s Marine Fisheries: Comparison of the SFMP 2015 Baseline and a 2019 Repeat Survey McNally, C., Kotowicz, D,,Crawford, B.,Hardi-Nyari, B. 1 December 2021

    This report is an assessment of progress on key factors in Ghana’s Marine Fisheries related to improving the governance of the small pelagic coastal fishery and quality of life of people that depend on it for their livelihood. The report examines changes that have occurred in a number of parameters related to the impacts of interventions made by the USAID Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) between the baseline survey in 2015 and a follow-up survey in 2019. It includes information on changes in perceptions of quality of life and the condition of the fishery, household wealth, household hunger, dietary diversity of women of reproductive age, perceptions regarding awareness and compliance with fishing regulations, empowerment of women within the industry, and aspects of child labor and trafficking. While the project was not expected to impact all these measures over life of project, such as overall quality of life or household wealth, such indicators were tracked as an overall trend analysis of the fishery. Changes in post-harvest processing practices supported by the project are not included in this report, although many of the women’s empowerment indicators are related to project activities targeted mainly at women processors and traders such as access to micro-finance and leadership development

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  • Final Report, 2014 -2021. USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2021

    This is the final report of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Project, covering the activities undertaken and accomplishments for the entire period October 1, 2014 to April 30, 2021. On May 28, 2020, the SFMP Cooperative Agreement with URI was modified to provide a 7-month cost extension through April 2021. A supplemental Program description was provided with the following result areas elaborated to achieve the goal of the SFMP COVID-19 response initiative: “To prevent the spread and mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in fishing communities in Ghana.” Results of this extension are included in the final report.

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  • Resources for Revising Ghana’s Fisheries Act Coastal Resources Center 29 June 2021

    During the time period of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, (2014-2021) The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and its Fisheries Commission was in the process of considering revisions of the Fisheries Act of 2002 and its Amendments. This activity description replicates a public web site that had provided a repository of documents on Ghana’s existing fisheries laws and regulations, as well as related documents that can aide individuals involved in drafting new fisheries legislation. Documents can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the links in the various pages of the pdf. (Existing Legislation, International Treaties and Agreements & Related Documents).

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  • The Complete USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Bibliography 2014 to 2021 Robadue, D., editor 24 May 2021

    This volume is a compilation of the full citations only for 517 policy, technical, outreach, and program management reports that are available online at the SFMP project page https://www.crc.uri.edu/projects_page/sfmp/ which also provides abstracts of each document and allows filtering by project activity.

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  • The Complete USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Bibliography 2014 to 2021 with Abstracts Robadue, D., editor 24 May 2021

    This volume is a compilation of the full citations and abstracts for 517 policy, technical, outreach, and program management reports that are available online at the SFMP project page https://www.crc.uri.edu/projects_page/sfmp/ which also provides abstracts of each document and allows filtering by project activity.

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  • A Compilation of USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Success Stories: 2014- 2021 Robadue, D., editor 29 April 2021

    Throughout the implementation of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (2014 to 2021) a variety of information, education and communication materials were produced. This document compiles “success stories” and “Telling Our Story” materials submitted to USAID as part of quarterly and annual reports as well as on topics of special interest. These stories are organized by the key themes of the project, as described in detail in the three-volume Lessons Learned report produced in 2021. Readers should consult Volume 1 https://www.crc.uri.edu/download/GH2014_PGM354_CRC_FIN508.pdf for a description of the approach and accomplishments in Legal and Policy Reform, Co-Management and Constituency-Building, Science for Management and Institutional Strengthening. Volume 2 https://www.crc.uri.edu/download/GH2014_PGM355_CRC_FIN508.pdf covers Post-Harvest Improvements, Gender Mainstreaming and Combatting Child Labor and Trafficking. Volume 3: https://www.crc.uri.edu/download/GH2014_PGM356_CRC_FIN508.pdf covers COVID-19 related activities. All of the volumes also include links to selected reports on each topic.

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  • Pilot of Economic Safety Net Scheme for the Marine Artisanal Fisheries Sector: Methodologies, Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Action Babanawo, R., Kent, K., Owusu, D., Crawford, B. 31 March 2021

    The purpose of this methodological guide is to document step by step approaches, procedures and processes for the design and implementation of Economic Safety Net interventions targeting vulnerable fisheries dependent households in Ghana based on the experience of the SFMP COVID-19 response pilot Economic Safety Net Scheme. The document also highlights the lessons learned along with the actual or recommended adjustments made to the SFMP piloted methodologies. It provides detailed guidance on the design and implementation of methodologies that: ---Ensure effective targeting, implementation, and monitoring of Economic Safety Net assistance to fisheries households. ---Define the roles and responsibilities of various partners and stakeholders. ---Establish a financial management framework as well as administrative procedures for the cash transfer programming. The Guide also reflects on the potential application of Economic Safety Net Schemes as a component of sustainable fisheries management measures such as closed seasons where vulnerable fisheries dependent households may experience economic hardship as a result of management efforts to rebuild depleted fish stocks.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. January 1 to March 31, 2021 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2021

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Project Year 7 (FY21) including the additional COVID-19 related activities. It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP. No further activities took place after this report except project close-out.

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  • USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Lessons Learned Event Labik, P. 30 March 2021

    On March 30, 2021, the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) held a lessons-learned event as part of final project close out activities. The three-hour event highlighted seven years of the project’s interventions, challenges, lessons learned which provide valuable inputs for future programing within the fisheries sector in Ghana. In attendance were various stakeholders, officials from USAID, the US Embassy, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Fisheries Commission, the Academia including University of Rhode Island, the parent institution of the SFMP.

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  • Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Lessons Learned: 2014-2021, Volume 1 Coastal Resources Center 30 March 2021

    This report, referred to as “Legacy Set Document”, is an updated collection of relevant policy and management documents and short essays on thematic areas/issues covered during the implementation of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The short essays describe the context at the start of the project, the project implementation approach, results, accomplishments, lessons learned and recommendations for the way forward. The report is organized into three (3) Volumes. Volume 1 covers: legal and policy reform; co-management and constituencies; science for management and institutional strengthening.

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  • Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Lessons Learned: 2014-2021, Volume 2 Coastal Resources Center 30 March 2021

    This report, referred to as “Legacy Set Document”, is an updated collection of relevant policy and management documents and short essays on thematic areas/issues covered during the implementation of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The short essays describe the context at the start of the project, the project implementation approach, results, accomplishments, lessons learned and recommendations for the way forward. The report is organized into three (3) Volumes. Volume 2 covers: post-harvest improvements; gender mainstreaming; and combating child labor and trafficking.

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  • Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Lessons Learned: 2020-2021, Volume 3 Coastal Resources Center 30 March 2021

    This report, referred to as “Legacy Set Document”, is an updated collection of relevant policy and management documents and short essays on thematic areas/issues covered during the implementation of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The short essays describe the context at the start of the project, the project implementation approach, results, accomplishments, lessons learned and recommendations for the way forward. The report is organized into three (3) Volumes. Volume 3 covers new work aimed at preventing the spread and mitigating the effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in the fishing communities in Ghana. Activities included social and behavior change communication, cash transfer to vulnerable fisheries households, and piloting diversified livelihoods.

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  • Report on Monthly Monitoring of SFMP COVID-19 Intervention Sites and Close-out for UCC’s Activities Okyere, I., Chuku, E. O., Angnuureng, D. B., Asare, N. K. and Aheto, D.W. 1 March 2021

    This report presents on UCC’s engagement on the COVID-19 intervention monthly spot checks as well as other works on the transfer of the COVID M&E online database from URI to UCC with the second quarter January-March 2021, and finally closes out UCC’s activities on the project. Monthly spot checks were conducted at selected landing beaches in the Central and Western Region. The monitoring provided some important insight on the improvement in observing COVID protocols in hygienic practices through the handwashing stations, maintenance of social distancing and minimal wearing of face mask at the landing beaches in the Central Region compared to the baseline, although still very low and requires much improvement as the pandemic still exists. Relatively better adherence was observed in Central Region than Western. The transfer of the online tracker/database to UCC was completed, and the is a significant step in ensuring local ownership and sustainability of the site.

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  • Execution Report on the Activation of Mass Messaging Platforms Labik, P., Etrue, M. 1 March 2021

    The SFMP replicated its innovative Fisher to Fisher (F2F) dialogue in a virtual form with the formation of social media groups (WhatsApp groups) across the entire coastal fishing communities, linked to a collaborative decision-making center, a Virtual Platform for Fishers (VPF). The approach is in consonance with the vision of the USAID Digital Strategy of advancing progress in partner countries and communities on their journey to self-reliance through effective, efficient, and responsible digital initiatives that enhance security and economic prosperity. A total of 21 WhatsApp groups representing both fishermen and fish processors at various levels were formed. All groups were interconnected or linked to one of the two groups representing the national executives of fishermen, the GNCFC, or fish processors, the NAFPTA, constituting a Virtual Platform for Fishers (VPF).

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  • Fisheries Supply Chain Disruption Assessment Seddoh, S., Moore, T. 1 March 2021

    In response to COVID-19, USAID extended SFMP to implement activities to prevent the spread and mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in fishing communities in Ghana. In October 2020, SFMP launched a Supply Chain Disruption Assessment to identify the challenges and opportunities related to any disruptions on fisheries supply chains because of the COVID-19 pandemic. SFMP also assessed impacts of Government of Ghana (GoG) policies and measures to increase social distancing at fish landing sites and domestic seafood markets to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to determine if they reduced fish sales and increased demand for processing or cold storage of fresh fish. Based on the results of the assessment, SFMP would consider new partnerships to tackle supply chain disruptions if significant and feasible within the remaining life of the project.

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  • Report on the Production of Additional Value-added Food Products on the Ahotor Oven Owusu, D. 1 March 2021

    There are currently, over 500 Ahotor ovens constructed and underutilized by fish processors due partly to the low fish catch or user preference. To afford the fisher processors who own an Ahotor oven the opportunity to earn extra income, SFMP through its implementing partners DAA and CEWEFIA explored the possibility of using the Ahotor oven to produce other edible and marketable products using local ingredients. The brief market survey revealed an interest in the consumption of snacks such as fish nuggets (made with local potatoes and fish), fish/beef pasties, coconut cookies, bread rolls and maize dumpling (locally known as ‘abolo’).

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  • Co-Management Regional Stakeholder Engagement Report Boateng, K. 1 March 2021

    As part of the implementation arrangements of the Co-Management Policy the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission jointly held series of regional stakeholder engagements across the four coastal regions of Ghana in February and March 2021 with the support of USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. About 150 participants made up of fisheries officers from the MOFAD/FC, officials from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional rulers, chief fishermen, canoe owners, and fish processors, representatives of the various fisheries associations including National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) and the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) were engaged in discussions on how to sustain Ghana’s fisheries resources through adoption of the National Fisheries Co-Management Policy. The purpose of the stakeholder engagement was to share the content of the National Fisheries Co-Management Policy and discuss the implementation arrangements with all key stakeholders.

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  • Final Minutes of Ad hoc Technical Committee Virtual Meeting and In Person Meeting Owusu, D. Babanawo, R. 1 March 2021

    The objective of setting up the ad hoc Technical Committee was to provide strategic oversight for the development of appropriate methodologies which could be adopted by Government and Development Partners in providing assistance to poor and vulnerable fisheries dependent households to mitigate economic shocks and stresses particular to the sector, including during the implementation of future fisheries closed seasons, a strategic management measure required to rebuild Ghana’s small pelagic stocks.

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  • Final Report on the Pilot of Livelihood Approaches in Fishing Communities Eshun, A. E. 1 March 2021

    In partnership with local implementing partners Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA) and Development Action Association (DAA), SFMP engaged potential stakeholders and developed a livelihoods strategy targeting out-of-school youth ages (18 -35 years) to guide the implementation of the livelihoods interventions. This strategy focused on identifying desirable and marketable non-fisheries livelihoods utilizing locally available resources. Based on focus group discussions and key informant interviews with youth representatives from DAA, CEWEFIA and the fisheries apex organizations Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) and National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA), SFMP selected three livelihoods to support: production of handwashing soap, baking of confections, and installation and repairs of digital television and air conditioning.

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  • Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households Under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in Hen Mpoano Project Communities (First Report) Bogobley, S., Mensah, J. 1 February 2021

    The Hen Mpoano team embarked on a monitoring visit to selected communities to interact with some beneficiaries to understand some of the challenges they encountered in accessing their monthly cash assistance and how they have benefited from the pilot program. The objectives of the monitoring visit were to assess the impact of the initiative on beneficiaries, identify, address and report challenges encountered, and solicit recommendations to enhance the program in the future.

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  • Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in Friends of the Nation Project Communities Ewur, N., Johnson, K., Ampofo, Solomon. 1 February 2021

    Friends of the Nation, an implementing partner under the SFMP project monitored some selected beneficiaries in six districts which are Shama, Sekondi Takoradi and Ahanta West Municipality in Western Region and Keta, Ketu South, and Anloga in Volta Region. A total of 70 people representing 10% of beneficiaries in the above-mentioned districts were monitored. In Volta, 36 beneficiaries were interacted with, while 34 beneficiaries were visited in the Western Region. The monitoring visit aimed at ascertaining the number of times respondents have received the monthly cash transfer, the amount received per cash transfer and the benefits derived from the money received. It was also to discuss challenges encountered by respondents in retrieving the cash assistance and solicit for their recommendation on providing such assistance in the near future.

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  • Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households Under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in CEWEFIA Project Communities (Second Monitoring) Takyi, M., Smith, N., Addo, O., Antwi, D., Barth, M., Affel, R. 1 February 2021

    The CEWEFIA Project Team conducted a survey on the Vulnerable Household Beneficiaries who are under the economic safety net scheme in CEWEFIA project communities. The survey held from Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th February, 2021, aimed at monitoring the vulnerable household beneficiaries to assess whether or not the beneficiaries received the cash assistance from the SFMP. Specifically, to determine the number of beneficiaries who have received the cash assistance and those who have not received the cash assistance, the uses and benefits of the cash assistance, as well as to ascertain any challenges associated with retrieving the cash.

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  • Report on Vulnerable Household cash beneficiary monitoring (Second Report) Asare, A. 1 February 2021

    The SFMP through the implementation of its COVID 19 project intervention of piloting cash transfers to qualified fishery households’ aimed to enable them to access a basic food supply and other daily necessities. Among other things, this survey seeks to assess how often did selected beneficiaries receive the allotted monthly cash transfers, the amount received and the average per month, whether the cash received was used for its intended purpose, and recommendations for improvements in similar future project interventions.

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  • Report on Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in HM Project Communities (Second Monitoring) Owusu, A., Nortey, D., Mensah, J. 1 February 2021

    the Hen Mpoano team conducted two (2) monitoring visits in project intervention areas, to interact with some beneficiaries to understand some of the challenges they encountered in accessing their monthly cash assistance and how they have benefitted from the pilot program. This report is the result of the second monitoring visit.

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  • Report on Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in Friends of the Nation Project Communities (Second Monitoring) Ewur, N., Johnson, K., Ampofo, Solomon 1 February 2021

    Friends of the Nation, an implementing partner under the SFMP project monitored some selected beneficiaries in six districts which are Shama, Sekondi Takoradi and Ahanta West Municipality in Western Region and Keta, Ketu South, and Anloga in Volta Region. The monitoring visit aimed at ascertaining the number of times respondents have received the monthly cash transfer, the amount received per cash transfer, and the benefits derived from the money received. It was also to discuss challenges encountered by respondents in retrieving the cash assistance and solicit their recommendation on providing such assistance in the near future. Key findings included that out of the 70 beneficiaries that were supposed to be monitored, only 65 were monitored. The remaining 5 could not be reach on phone. Out of the 65 respondents interviewed, only 57 (87.69%) had received remittance from SFMP and 8 (12.31%) had not received any remittance. Out of the 57 respondents who had received remittances from SFMP, 44 (77.19%) respondents indicated they had received the remittance once and 13 (22.81%) respondents indicated they had received it twice.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. October 1 to December 31, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 30 January 2021

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Project Year 7 (FY21) including the additional COVID-19 related activities. It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Report on Vulnerable Household Cash Beneficiary Monitoring (First Report). Asare, A. 1 January 2021

    The COVID 19 pandemic not only brought about a medical emergency but also some untold social, economic challenges to many fishery households across all the coastal regions of Ghana. This was due to landing beaches under significant social distancing protocols which slowed down fishing and other related supply chain, including market, disturbances. However, the SFMP implemented a COVID project intervention for piloting cash transfers to qualified fishery households to enable them access basic food supply and other daily necessities. This survey seeks to assess how often did selected beneficiaries receive the allotted the monthly cash stipends,ascertain the amount received per month, determine whether the cash received was used for its intended purpose and make recommendations for improvements in similar future project interventions.

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  • Monitoring of Beneficiaries of Vulnerable Households Under the Economic Safety Net Scheme in CEWEFIA Project Communities Takyi, M., Smith, N., Addo, O., Antwi, D., Barth, M., Affel, R. 1 January 2021

    The CEWEFIA Project Team from Monday 25th to Friday 29th January 2021 undertook a survey on the Vulnerable Household Beneficiaries in its project communities. The survey had the purpose to assess the receipt and uses of the cash assistance among the Poor and Vulnerable Households under the Economic Safety Net Scheme. The objectives were to determine the number of beneficiaries who have received the cash assistance and those who have not, as well as the use of the cash assistance.

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  • Random Monitoring of Cash Transfer Beneficiaries in Volta Region Mensah, M. M., Asare, M.A. 1 January 2021

    The M&E team conducted a field visit to project target areas to monitor the receipt, use and impact of the funds received by cash beneficiaries under the SFMP COVID 2 intervention. This was to ensure that targeted beneficiaries had received their due transfers and to find out what they used the money for, challenges faced in retrieving the funds from mobile money vendors and the impact of the funds on their livelihoods amid the current pandemic.

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  • Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Annual Report. October 1, 2019- September 30, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 29 December 2020

    Environmental Compliance is a mandatory requirement for all USAID-funded programs, to ensure project activities do not have significant impact on the environment. USAID Implementing Partners are obligated to consider throughout the life of project, environmental impacts arising from its activities. During the FY 2020 of the SFMP, all USAID environmental requirements laid down in the project Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were complied with to ensure no significant impact on the environment from activity implementation.

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  • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (Revised July and Updated November, 2020) Coastal Resources Center 29 December 2020

    The M&E Plan includes two major components. First is the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and its associated indicator reporting which is tied to the project goal and intermediate results. Second is a knowledge management and learning strategy to communicate and share information, results, and lessons—and solicit input and feedback for adaptive management. This approach will optimize the project’s performance and ensure accountability to USAID, Ghanaian and American people. The M&E Plan including the PMP, represents the overarching results framework, indicators, targets, and plan for data quality assurance. It describes the process for developing rapid assessments and baselines, which will form the basis for subsequent routine monitoring, periodic assessments and subsequent learning and adaptive management. The PMP lays out a calendar of performance management tasks, describes how data is collected and how the project will assess the limitations and quality of data. The document also details the plan for knowledge management and learning.

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  • Densu Delta Community-Based Fisheries Management Plan, Greater Accra Region, Ghana Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Fisheries Commission 22 December 2020

    This is the official plan approved by the Ghana Fisheries Commission. This community-based Oyster Fishery Management Plan for the Densu Delta builds on the best practices and lessons learned from the 10-day Regional Study Tour on Women’s Empowerment and Post-Harvest Improvements in The Gambia and Senegal in 2016 involving 11 members of five women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) and the Fisheries Commission and supported by the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The successes of TRY Oyster Group, a peer woman based organization in the Gambia that developed successful community-based strategies for sustainable oyster and cockle fisheries management and value chain improvements, led to a realization that similar management practices could be implemented for the oyster fishery in the Densu Delta. The Densu Delta was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1992, recognizing it as a protected wetland of international importance under the International Convention on Wetlands. A management plan for the Delta was developed in 1999, but did not make reference to oyster harvesting activities. The objective of this Community-Based Management Plan is to ensure sustainable management of the Densu oyster fishery for improved food security and other benefits, especially for women oyster harvesters and other participating estuarine communities who depend on this fishery resource for their livelihood.

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  • Pra Estuary Community-Based Fisheries Management Plan, Western Region, Ghana Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Fisheries Commission 22 December 2020

    This is the official plan approved by the Ghana Fisheries Commission. This co-management plan is designed for management of the fishery in the Pra Estuary located in the Shama District of the Western Region of Ghana. The Pra estuary is approximately 100m wide at the point of entry into the sea and is an area of high landscape value covering a biologically rich and diverse ecosystem comprising mangrove forests, salt marshes and swamps. It falls within the geographic space lying to the South-South East border of Shama District.

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  • Ankobra Estuary Community-Based Fisheries Management Plan, Western Region, Ghana Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Fisheries Commission 22 December 2020

    This is the official plan approved by the Ghana Fisheries Commission. The objective of this community-based fisheries management plan is to ensure sustainable management of the Ankobra River Estuarine fishery and improved food security and livelihood benefits, especially for participating estuarine fishing communities as well as those involved in the fishery value chain.

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  • Spot Checks of Handwashing Stations Conducted in SFMP Selected Landing Sites under the COVID Intervention Asare. M, Morgan, M. 1 December 2020

    The SFMP Monitoring and Evaluation team carried out a field visit to project target areas to 1. Conduct spot checks to randomly selected landing sites. 2. Ensure management of handwashing stations and consumables. 3. Identify and discuss modalities on how to better manage handwashing stations and periodic repairs when required. 4. Directly establish linkage with landing site advocates to share experiences on the project. 5. Identify challenges in manning handwashing stations. 6. Make recommendations based on the findings identified. A total of 18 landing sites in the Greater Accra and Volta regions were randomly selected for the survey. The method of data collection was via direct observation. Data was collected using the Kobo Toolbox application installed on tablets. Nine landing sites were visited in the Anloga district of the Volta region. In the Greater Accra region, the team visited the Awudin, Ashamang, Tsienaa, Kokrobite, Bortianor, Lanteman, Abese, Chorkor Chemunaa and Chorkor Lanteman landing sites were visited in the Ga South, Accra Metro, La Dade Kotopon, Ledzokuku Krowor and Tema A total of 18 sites were visited. This report segregates findings into each landing site and the partner that mainly leads activities under them.

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  • SFMP Annual Progress Report. October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 1 November 2020

    This annual report updates project progress through Year 6 (October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020) and provides information on how partners are contributing to the achievement of project targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP. On May 28, 2020, the SFMP Cooperative Agreement with URI was modified to provide a 7-month cost extension through April 2021. A supplemental Program description was provided with the following result areas elaborated to achieve the goal of the SFMP COVID-19 response initiative: “To prevent the spread and mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in fishing communities in Ghana.” Results of this extension are included in this report.

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  • Status of the small pelagic stocks in Ghana in 2019. Scientific and Technical Working Group Lazar, N., Yankson, K., Blay, J., Ofori-Danson, P., Markwei, P., Agbogah, K., Bannerman, P., Sotor, M., Yamoah, K. K., Bilisini, W. B. 1 November 2020

    This report provides an update of the status of the small pelagic fish stocks of Ghana through 2019. It was led by the FSSD, reviewed and validated by the Science and Technical Working Group (STWG). Annual landings of Sardinella aurita have declined from 119515 tonnes. in 1992 to 11,834 tonnes in 2019. This represented only 9.9% of the highest recorded landings. This drastic decline in landings is caused largely by the artisanal fishing fleet, which operates without proper management controls in an open access. In addition, the unit of effort of a canoe is more efficient today than in the past due to advanced technologies, modern fishing nets, powerful engines and big capital investments. For example, the average size of a purse seine was about 200-300 meters long in the 1970s but today it is 3 times larger - between 600-1000 meters in length and the average crew members on a canoe doubled from 10 to 20 fishermen. Canoe gross tonnage and capacity increased by 2.5 fold (from 2 to 5 metric tons) while the Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) declined dramatically and the cost and timing of a fishing trip increased as fishermen spend more time searching for fish offshore.

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  • Co-Management Policy for the Fisheries Sector Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development 1 November 2020

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development was established in 2013 and maintained by the Executive Instrument (E.I.28) establishing the Civil Service (Ministries) in 2017. The Ministry, together with the Fisheries Commission, the implementing agency, is committed to a pluralistic approach to managing Ghana's fisheries resources to achieve the mandate of their establishments. The objective set forth in the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector Plan as well as other existing national policy plans is to identify co-management as a key element for the management of the fisheries sector and the sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources. To this end, this Fisheries Co-Management Policy has been developed to provide a roadmap for Ghana's fisheries management that transitions from a basically top-down consultative management framework to an approach that provides for some delegation of authority to resource users and other stakeholders in the decision-making processes. There is no one right way for implementing co-management policies and the approach taken in Ghana must consider the unique ecological, socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the fisheries industry. This Policy also provides an overview of Ghana's experience to date and lessons learned concerning fisheries co-management including assessment of the current policy and legal regime. It lays out the definition for co-management, the policy goal and objectives as well as the guiding principles for the Policy and its implementation. The Policy further provides the implementation arrangement including institutional roles and responsibilities that ensure a flexible framework that can adapt co-management systems to the unique nature of the various fisheries under the nation's jurisdiction.

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  • Year 7 Work Plan. October 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021 Coastal Resources Center 1 October 2020

    On May 28, 2020, the SFMP Cooperative Agreement with URI was modified to provide a 7-month cost extension through April 2021. A supplemental Program description was provided with the following result areas elaborated to achieve the goal of the SFMP COVID-19 response initiative: “To prevent the spread and mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in fishing communities in Ghana.” COVID 1: Fisherfolk at 300 landing sites, processing and/or fish markets sites better adhere to official COVID-19 disease prevention protocols. COVID 2: Two thousand extremely vulnerable fisheries-dependent households avoid extreme poverty. COVID 3: GoG has evidence on approaches for effective livelihood assistance to fishing communities affected by COVID-19. COVID 4: Cross Cutting Areas: Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships; Gender and Youth; Building for Sustainability. In pursuit of these strategic outcomes, the SFMP COVID-19 response program started working with the 27 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) along the entire coast of Ghana, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD), the Fisheries Commission (FC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Information (MOI), as well as fisherfolk associations that have membership and respected leaders in almost all 186 fishing villages found along the coast.

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  • Minutes of SFMP Economic Safety Net Scheme Adhoc Technical Committee Virtual and In-Person Meetings Owusu, D., Babanawo, R. 1 September 2020

    These are the meeting notes from the first two meetings of the SFMP Economic Safety Net Scheme Adhoc Technical Committee related to the COVID-19 add-on activity carried out by SFMP.

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  • COVID-19: Mapping and Baseline Survey of Fish Landing Beaches, Processing Sites and Markets Okyere, I., Chuku, E. O., Angnuureng, D. B., Asare, N. K. and Aheto, D.W. ( 1 September 2020

    This survey was carried out by the UCC team to map fish landing beaches, processing sites and markets as well as collect baseline data on handwashing facilities, adherence to social distancing and wearing of facemasks in all coastal fishing communities from July to August, 2020. The activity feeds into building a baseline and developing a database for M&E of the SFMP COVID-19 response, especially for COVID-1 and COVID-2. The main goal is to develop the COVID-19 database into a web-based response tracker disaggregated by locale for effective monitoring and assessment of project activities. With assistance of SFMP implementation partners, landing beaches, processing sites and key fish markets were identified and geo-referenced using the ODK application. The number of handwashing facilities available and additional numbers required, sufficiency of supplies (i.e. soap and water), hand washing, social distancing and wearing of face masks were assessed. About 98% of the sites had inadequate hand washing facilities, with an estimate of over 1,000 additional handwashing buckets required. There was gross disregard for key COVID-19 protocols on hand washing, physical or social distancing and wearing of face masks at most sites, which presents the need for behavior change communication actions at all sites. Details of survey results are presented in this report, and the online database is being developed using the survey data.

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  • Trainer of Trainers of Hen Mpoano Site Advocates on COVID-19: Precautionary measures and appropriate data collection tools to track and assess the SFMP COVID-19 Project Hen Mpoano 1 August 2020

    Community Site Advocates (SAs) have been selected in all the 300 fish-landing sites in Ghana to receive training in order to support the execution and monitoring of the implementation of activities at each landing site. As an implementing partner under the SFMP COVID-19 Project, Hen Mpoano organized training for Community Site Advocates in the Western and Greater Accra Regions. Participants for the training were residents of coastal communities selected from six coastal MMDAs in Western and Greater Accra Regions. These Districts are Jomoro Municipal, Ellembelle District and Nzema East Municipal in Western Region; and Ningo-Prampram Ada West and Ada East Districts in the Greater Accra Region. In Western region, Officers of the Regional Fisheries Commission office including the acting Regional Director and the some Zonal officers also participated in the training.

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  • Report of the Scientific and Techncial Working Group Meeting – July 28-29, 2020 Scientific and Techncial Working Group (STWG) 28 July 2020

    The meeting of the Science and Technical Working Group was held from July 28-29,2020 at the A&E Hotel in Accra, Ghana. Its main objectives were to: Update members on the status of Ghana’s small pelagic and demersal fish stocks. Update members on biological impact of the closed season. Update members on socio-economic impact of the closed season. Make observations of socio-economic impacts on the artisanal closure of 2019 by FC. Present the trawl gear audits conducted by the FC (Board) and GITA. Present the evaluation methodologies of closed season by KNUST. Discuss adoption of the STWG as a formal scientific advisory body of the FC Board. Develop 2021 management recommendations.

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  • Training of Handwashing Station Site Advocates From 76 Landing Beaches Opare Addo J., Antwi D., Takyi, M., Smith, N. 1 July 2020

    The SFMP COVID-19 Project is essentially important to fishers in helping to reduce the spread of the pandemic among fishers along the coasts of Ghana. As part of the project activities, to provide hand washing equipment at landing beaches, sites advocates are to be trained to effectively manage the hand washing stations at selected landing beaches of the selected project communities. In view of that CEWEFIA organized a one- day training for selected sites advocates in its project communities. The landing beaches in the coastal communities were therefore divided among SFMP implementing partners. CEWEFIA got to work with fishers from seventy-six (76) landing sites in thirty-one (31) fishing communities in the Central Region. The selection of the Site Advocates was done in collaboration with Chief fishermen from the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) based on a set of criteria. The training has the purpose to equip the capacity of the sites advocates on the M&E data collection tool that will be used in monitoring Hand Washing Stations at landing beaches to ascertain behavioral changes. These site advocates have the role of managing the use of the hand washing stations that would be set up in their landing beaches and report to the implementing partner which is CEWEFIA.

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  • Trainer of Trainers of Development Action Association Site Advocates on COVID-19: Precautionary measures and appropriate data collection tools to track and assess the SFMP COVID-19 Project Asare, A. 1 July 2020

    The USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) is a 7-year intervention (2014 - 2021) funded by USAID and seeks to rebuild targeted marine fisheries stocks through the adoption of sustainable fisheries practices. The project works closely with government agencies, fisheries authorities, policy makers and fisher folk in the entire coastal stretch of Ghana to achieve the project goals. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana in March 2020 it was considered that this unanticipated development could have dire consequences on the artisanal fisheries sector which is central to the economy and the livelihoods of 300,000 men and women in over 300 coastal communities given the communal nature of landing fish and the related post-harvest activities. Trainings on the precautionary measures and appropriate data collection tools to track and assess the SFMP COVID-19 Project were held in two (2) batches on the 21st July and 22nd July 2020 in Accra (Kokrobite) at the DAA Fisheries Training Center (DFTC) and Winneba (Central Region) at the Gloriaka Hotel respectively. Participants were selected from the six (6) coastal districts of DAA under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project with consultations with the chief fishermen of the various landing sites and the Fisheries Commission zonal & field officers.

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  • Trainer of Trainers of Friends of the Nation Site Advocates on COVID-19 precautionary measures and appropriate data collection tools to track and assess the SFMP COVID-19 Project Friends of the Nation 1 July 2020

    Friends of the Nation as an implementing partner of the USAID SFMP COVID-19 organized training for Community Site Advocates from Western and Volta Regions on July 24 and July 30, 2020 in in Pleasure Parks and Gardens in Sekondi and Keta Municipal Assembly in Keta respectively. The objectives of the training were to raise awareness on the SFMP COVID-19 project; enhance participants’ knowledge on COVID-19, mode of transmission and precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus; improve participants understanding and use of the monitoring reporting template and identify implementing challenges and provide solutions. The training was very participatory and interactive facilitated through power-point presentations, video show, practical demonstration, virtual interaction via zoom and plenary discussion.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. April 1 to June 30, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2020

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Project Year 6 (FY20). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • SFMP Year 6 Amended and COVID Response Cost Extension Period Work Plan. October 1, 2019 – Sept 30, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 28 May 2020

    This work plan provides an overview of activities scheduled for the terminal phase of the project including amended activities in the last part of Year 5 and extending into the No-Cost Extension period as well as an extension based on achieving the goal of the SFMP COVID-19 response initiative . Year 5 work was heavily impacted by two slow down notices from USAID that restricted funding availability in the first three quarters of the workplan year. With the no-cost extension approval and receipt of funds up to the agreement ceiling in the third quarter, some Year 5 activities that had been delayed previously have now been refined and captured in this amended Year 5 workplan period below (June – Sept, 2019). Work for the No-Cost Extension Period (Oct 2019 – Sept 2020) is also included. A portion of the work covered in this workplan is also part of the USAID’s Learning Initiative on Women’s Empowerment, Access to Finance, and Sustainable Fisheries. On May 28, 2020, the SFMP Cooperative Agreement with URI was modified to provide a 7-month cost extension through April 2021. A supplemental Program description was provided with the following result areas elaborated to achieve the goal of the SFMP COVID-19 response initiative: “To prevent the spread and mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 among vulnerable households in fishing communities in Ghana.”

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  • Learning Initiative on Women’s Empowerment, Access to Finance, and Sustainable Fisheries Ghana Case Study USAID/SFMP 15 May 2020

    The SFMP case study examines learning questions on two hypotheses in two contexts: (1) small-scale estuarine ecosystems that applied community-based approaches to the management of finfish and oysters, and; (2) a large-scale fishery of migratory small pelagics, consisting mainly of anchovies and sardinella species that is under a national scale and centralized management regime. Interventions implemented through the Learning Initiative in Ghana for both types of fisheries included: • Improving access to finance for women fish processors and traders through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), and facilitating the acquisition of low interest loans from the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre; • Developing women’s leadership skills and promoting gender inclusion in fishery decision-making and benefit sharing; and • Improving businesses of women processors and traders through business, literacy, and improved post-harvest training.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. January 1 to March 31, 2020 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2020

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Project Year 6 (FY20). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • COMMUNIQUE Fisheries Stakeholder Engagement 2020 Fisher–2–Fisher (F2F) Dialogues Process Ghana National Canoe Fishermen’s Council and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development 1 March 2020

    The overall objective of the F2F dialogue process was to create a platform for all fisheries stakeholders to interact and discuss issues pertaining to the sector and reach consensus on key policy decisions and strengthen collaboration between fisheries managers and fishers (resources harvesters and processors). Taking cognizance of the existing and emerging policy and management concerns within the fisheries sector, the 2020 F2F dialogue processes focused on the following issues: • Implementation of the 2020 Closed Season for all fleets including the selection of the most opportune period for this year’s fishing closed season, based on available scientific data, with the view of increasing recruitment of juvenile fish species in order to rebuild the depleted fish stock. • Implementation of the Canoe Identification Card (CIC) System associated with the establishment a moratorium on new entrants to the marine canoe sector. • Preparatory arrangements for the implementation of the Fisheries Co-Management Policy. • Eradication of Illegal transshipment (saiko). The Deliberations among stakeholders reached five key points of agreement.

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  • Progress Report. October 1 to December 31, 2019 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2019

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Project Year 6 (FY19). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Status of the small pelagic stocks in Ghana in 2018 Lazar, N., Yankson, K., Blay, J., Ofori-Danson, P., Markwei, P., Agbogah, K., Bannerman, P., Sotor, M., Yamoah, K. K., Bilisini, W. B. 1 December 2019

    This report provides an update of the status of the small pelagic fish stocks of Ghana through 2017. It was led by the FSSD, reviewed and validated by the Science and Technical Working Group (STWG) in June of 2018. The data used in this assessment were provided by Fisheries Commission/’s Fisheries Scientific and Survey Division (FC/FSSD) and the Fridjoft Nansen survey program. Annual landings of sardinella have declined from 100,000 tonnes. in mid-1990s to 19,000 tonnes. in 2017 as fishing effort increased from 8,000 in 1990 to 13,650 canoes in 2017. This drastic decline in landings is caused largely by the artisanal fishing fleet, which operates without proper management controls in an open access. In addition, the unit of effort of a canoe is more efficient today than in the past due to advanced technologies, modern fishing nets, powerful engines and big capital investments. For example, the average size of a purse seine was about 200-300 meters long in the 1970s but today it is 3 times larger - between 600-1000 meters in length and the average crew members on a canoe doubled from 10 to 20 fishermen. Canoe gross tonnage and capacity increased by 2.5 fold (from 2 to 5 metric tons) while the Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) declined dramatically and the cost and timing of a fishing trip increased as fishermen spend more time searching for fish offshore.

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  • Report on Monitoring of MSMEs Activities in Project Target Communities (Moree And Anlo-Beach). Takyi, M. 1 December 2019

    Monitoring, learning and evaluation of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) is part of CEWEFIA year five work plan. In line with that CEWEFIA in the month of October from 1st to 15th October, 2019 embarked on monitoring of MSMES activities implemented so far in 2019 in the project communities; Moree, and Anlo-Beach in Central and Western Region respectively. The monitoring was done by the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Michael Takyi, CEWEFIA. The monitoring covered all the CEWEFIA activities implemented under the USAID/SFMP program so far including campaigns, education, trainings and sensitization programs. Village Savings and Loan groups, fish processing and demonstration centers and Woodlot plantation at Anlo-Beach were also visited.

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  • Report on Business Development Training for MSMEs at Ekon and Komenda Affel, R., Antwi, D., Addo, O. J., Smith, N. 30 November 2019

    As part of the efforts to achieve its vision; (“Improvement of socio-economic status of rural women and wellbeing of children and the community as whole”), CEWEFIA with support from USAID/SFMP organized a Four-Day Business Development Training for fish processors, fishmongers, fishermen, and all those who are engaged in fisheries related businesses in Ekon and Komenda, in Central Region from Monday, 4th November to Thursday 7th November, 2019. The objectives of the training were to improve the business management skills of its members and to assess the need for improved access to finance and advisory support for maximum income.

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  • Report on the Class-One Standard Training in MOree and Elmina. Opare Addo, J. 21 November 2019

    Fish processors from Moree and Elmina were involved in a one-day training held at the CEWEFIA Fish Processing and Training Center on 21st November 2019. The participants were 15 females. The training was facilitated by Mr. Kwame Damoah of Fisheries Commission and staff of CEWEFIA. The first session was used in discussing the class one certification and requirements. Discussions on registration with district assemblies and health certificates were carried out in this session. The second session was used to discuss the various steps in fish processing and the sanitary aspects of each stage. The third sessions was used to discuss proper and improper packaging of fish and fish products. The final session discussed the use of insecticides and pesticides by fish processors in their kitchens and the sale of fish to the various markets. Some issues were also identified during the training and the participants together with the facilitators made recommendations on how best to tackle the issues.

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  • Annual Progress Report. October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. Coastal Resources Center, 31 October 2019

    This annual report updates project progress through Year 5 (October 1, 2018 to September 30, 20189) and provides information on how partners are contributing to the achievement of project targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP. One highlight that is key to achieving SFMP’S objectives, is the support for MOFAD/FC to adopt and implement specific management measures to reduce fishing capacity and effort. As part of efforts by MOFAD/FC to address the current rate of decline of the small pelagic stocks, rebuild and sustainably manage it, the Government of Ghana for the first time implemented a closed season for the artisanal and inshore fishery between May 15 – June 15, 2019 as well as an August 1 – September 30 2019 closure for the industrial trawler fishery. SFMP provided financial and technical support to MOFAD/FC to undertake biological and socio-economic surveys to assess the impact of the closure on fish stocks, fisher folk and consumers to inform policy makers on decisions related to implementation of future closed seasons and management of the fisheries resources. While the closures were relatively successful from a compliance perspective

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  • Assessing the Biological Effects Of The Fisheries Closed Season Implemented For The Artisanal And Semi-Industrial Fisheries in Ghana, 2019 Lazar, N., Darko, C., Ansong, E., Boateng, K. 1 October 2019

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) implemented a one month fishing ban for artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries from May 15 to June 15, 2019 to protect the spawning brood stock of small pelagic species, mainly Sardinella aurita, Sardinella maderensis, Engraulis encrasicolus and Scomber colias and reduce fishing effort on these stocks. Following the closed season declaration, the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission (FC/FSSD) in coordination with the STWG and with the support of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), established a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess the biological and socio-economic effects of the closed season and report the findings back to MOFAD. This report is a progress report on the biological effects of the closed season implemented from May 15 to June 15, 2019

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  • Assessment of the Socio-Economic, Food Security and Nutrition Impacts of the 2019 Canoe Fishery Closed Fishing Season in Ghana Ofori-Danson, P.K., Asiedu, B., Amponsah, S.K.K., Crawford, B. 1 October 2019

    The primary objective of this socio-economic study was to assess the short-term socio-economic impacts - positive, neutral or negative - of the closure on artisanal sector canoe fishing households. The findings and recommendations provide inputs for formulating possible national arrangements and mechanisms on fisheries closure policies and management strategies, and how implementation of such measures can be strengthened. The main methodology adopted for the study involved administration of a survey questionnaire by trained enumerators on a mobile network (paperless) KoBoToolbox Kit in eleven (11) communities during three designated phases relevant to the closed season: pre-closed, closed and post-closed seasons. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews took place in the sampled communities.

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  • Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Annual Report. October 1, 2018- September 30, 2019. Owusu, A. A. 1 October 2019

    Environmental Compliance is a mandatory requirement for all USAID-funded programs, to ensure project activities do not have significant impact on the environment. USAID Implementing Partners are obligated to consider throughout the life of project, environmental impacts arising from its activities. During the FY 2019 of the SFMP, all USAID environmental requirements laid down in the project Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were complied with to ensure no significant impact on the environment from activity implementation.

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  • COMMUNIQUE from the Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, 2019. University of Cape Coast 21 August 2019

    The 2nd Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment (CFCE Accra 2019) was held in Accra from 19th to 21st August 2019. The conference was attended by 282 participants drawn from Ghanaian universities, epresentatives from the USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) with the University of Rhode Island, USA, Fisheries and Aquaculture Society of Ghana, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Bank’s West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program, government ministries and agencies, private sector, civil society, research institutions, fisheries associations, fishermen, fishmongers and the media. The conference recognized -the national importance of marine and coastal ecosystems and fisheries to the people of Ghana providing livelihood for 2 million people and contributing 4.5% to the national GDP; -the importance of fish for the national food security strategy and livelihood; -that the fish stock is at an alarming stage and on the verge of collapsing; -the significant contribution and opportunity of the blue economy to the socio-economic development of Ghana; -the need for political will to include civil society in decision making for better fisheries and coastal the management -the need for regional collaboration among neighbouring countries; -the pollution and degradation of the coastal environment; and -the growing menace of pollution, particularly plastic wastes in our seas and made 12 specific recommendations to address these concerns.

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  • Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, 2019, Book of Abstracts University of Cape Coast 19 August 2019

    The second edition of the Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment is jointly organised by the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project of the Coastal Resources Center (CRC) - University of Rhode Island (URI), and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) Ghana. Te Conference was designed to strengthen policy linkages and enable researchers, journalists, and think tanks connect their voices to the sustainable fsheries and coastal development agenda of Ghana. Following the success of the frst edition in September 2017 and the growing challenges of the coastal and marine environment of West Africa, CCM has collaborated with partners to execute the second edition with a regional focus. Te Conference provides an opportunity for a holistic discussion on coastal and marine resources, which are shared by millions of people, yet, threatened by a multiplicity of factors including poor management. CFCE Accra 2019 features panel discussions, keynote presentations and session papers. During this edition of the Conference, opportunity is also given to industry and projects within the sector to showcase key products and milestones as well as emerging technologies for the sustainable management of fsheries and coastal resources.

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  • Report on Formation and Training of New VSLA Groups in CEWEFIA’s Target Communities (Ekon, Elmina And Anlo-Beach) Antwi, H., Affel, R., Smith, N. 1 August 2019

    Village Savings and Loan (VSLA) is a form of savings among limited self-selected number of community-based people of common economic background. This gives the members the opportunity to accessing loans for additional livelihood in a convenient manner aside bank loan. In view of that CEWEFIA Team as part of the project activities has engaged the community members in Elmina, Ekon and Anlo- Beach to introduce to them the VSLA concept.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. April 1 to June 30, 2019. Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2019

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Project Year 5 (FY19). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Year 5 Amended and No Cost Extension Period Work Plan. June 1, 2019 –September 30, 2020. Coastal Resources Center 1 June 2019

    This work plan provides an overview of activities scheduled for the terminal phase of the project including amended activities in the last part of Year 5 and extending into the No-Cost Extension period. Year 5 work was heavily impacted by two slow down notices from USAID that restricted funding availability in the first three quarters of the workplan year. With the no-cost extension approval and receipt of funds up to the agreement ceiling in the third quarter, some Year 5 activities that had been delayed previously have now been refined and captured in this amended Year 5 workplan period below (June – Sept, 2019). Work for the No-Cost Extension Period (Oct 2019 – Sept 2020) is also included. A portion of the work covered in this workplan is also part of the USAID’s Learning Initiative on Women’s Empowerment, Access to Finance, and Sustainable Fisheries.

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  • Final Report on Ahotor Oven Market Development and Financing Outcomes and Lessons Learned Owusu, D. 1 May 2019

    The objective of this report is to explore and review successes, challenges, and lessons learned related to SFMP’s efforts to increase the Ahotor oven’s adoption by fish processors and to recommend strategies to increase uptake of the Ahotor in Ghana going forward. This report is a synthesis of data from experiences and learnings from SFMP’s implementing partners, discusions with early adopters, and a desk study of existing research on fish processing in Ghana.

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  • Class 1 Recognition Scheme (Operational Guidance) SNV Netherlands Development Organisation 1 April 2019

    This manual is designed to create awareness on the requirements to qualify for the Class 1 Certification Scheme. It contains the checklist for the audit of fish processing facilities on to the recognition scheme. This manual is guide for processors who want to enroll on the scheme and a training manual for auditors of the scheme.

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  • Training of Enumerators for Socio-Economic Studies Ofori-Danson, P.K., Asiedu, B., Amponsah, S. 1 April 2019

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has declared the closed season to begin from the 15th May - 15th June 2019 for the artisanal fishery and that of the inshore and industrial fishery from 1st August - 30th September, 2019. This management measure is intended to contribute to rebuilding fish stocks by allowing fish to reproduce during the peak of the spawning season before capture.

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  • Synthesis Report: Final Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA). Agbey, S. and Etsra, H.E. 1 March 2019

    The Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) which started in 2015 with local implementing partners of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project is in its fourth year of implementation. The objective of the OCA was to ensure that local partners of the project have robust systems and structures to enable them in their capacity to provide quality and sustainable services to their constituents by implementing and sustaining the fisheries sector results that SFMP supports, and also to improve their readiness and capacity to receive direct funding from USAID and other donors.

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  • Provide Support to District Assemblies for planning Anti- CLaT Intervention in MTDPs Friends of the Nation 1 March 2019

    Friends of the Nation (FoN) organized nine (9) separate District Child Protection Committees (DCPCs) meetings to Provide Support to District Assemblies for planning Anti- CLaT Intervention in MTDPs in March, 2019. The meetings were designed to assist the District Assemblies and the DCPCs to synchronize their action plans and community outreach programs for joint action (to increase efficiency, reduce duplication, and pool resources together to maximize efforts/results).

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  • Uplifting the Role of Traditional Authorities in Fisheries Governance Mevuta, D., Johnson K., Yamoah, K., Boachie-Yiadom, T. 1 February 2019

    SFMP through FoN supported traditional leaders from coastal areas of Ghana to review how they could play active roles in the current fisheries governance towards the promotion of best fisheries management practices. As a result, traditional leaders have shown increasing interest to participate in collaborative fisheries management initiatives in Ghana.

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  • National High Level Engagement Meetings Johnson, K., Yamoah, K.K., Ewur, N. 1 February 2019

    Friends of the Nation organized a National level engagement meeting in collaboration with ten Coastal Districts of the Central Region, MOFAD and Department of Social Welfare (DSW). The workshop was designed to assist the Assemblies to design effective "messages” for their outreach programs on CLaT. At the workshop Chief Executive Officers of District Assemblies along coastal-fishing areas of the Central Region of Ghana have resolved to work with civil society, the National Steering Committees against Child Labor, and Child Trafficking and all other relevant stakeholders to reduce Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) in the area.

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  • Strategic Regional Stakeholders Engagement Workshop to Implement Anti-CLaT plans in Medium Term Development Plans Friends of the Nation 1 February 2019

    Friends of the Nation organized a strategic regional stakeholders’ engagement workshop on 6th February 2019 at Pempamsi in Cape Coast, in the Central Region of Ghana. Participants were from the ten coastal Districts. In attendance were also key institutions including the Fisheries Commission, Ghana Police Service (Anti-Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence and Victim Support Units), Ghana Immigration Services, Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Services (Reproductive and Child Health Unit). In all there were forty-nine (49) participants, thirty eight (38) male and eleven (11) female who took part in the training.

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  • Training for Fishermen in Hygenic Fish Handling, Business Management and the Fisheries Management Plan Nortey, E. E., Asare A. 1 January 2019

    The fisheries sector in Ghana is plagued with many challenges that affect the livelihood of fishers. The DAA Fisheries Training Centre organized a two-day capacity building program for fifty fishermen from eleven communities in the Greater Accra and Central regions of Ghana. Communities in Central region are Apam, Winneba, and Mumford. Those from the Greater Accra region are Ahwiam, Old Ningo, Chorkor, Bortianor, Tsokomey, Oshiyie, Kokrobite, and Langma. Participants were all males, the youngest being nineteen years old and oldest being seventy years old. There were thirty four percent youth in attendance thus achieving our aim of attracting ten percent youth to trainings. The Greater Accra Regional Director of Fisheries Mrs. Hannah Boakye and two Fisheries Zonal Officers working in the GA South Assembly, Ms. Olivia Horvey and Rosina Williams facilitated the workshop.

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  • Policy Framework On Fisheries Co-Management. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development 1 January 2019

    The Fisheries Commission, consists of a body of individuals that represent government agencies and fishing industry stakeholders. Its mandate, makeup and functioning is described in the Fisheries Act of 2002 (Act 625). While not always recognized as such, this Commission can be considered a form of national co-management institution as it has the power and authority to make decisions on fisheries access and use, as well as determine management measures necessary to achieve national fisheries policy objectives.

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  • Assessment of the Introduction of Insulated Fish Containers in Ghana. Kristine Beran 1 January 2019

    The purpose behind the introduction of insulated fish containers in Ghana was to improve the cold chain process for high-value demersal species along the value chain. Twenty insulated containers were distributed to fish processor and trader associations. The insulated containers were group-owned by members of each association. An assessment was conducted to determine if the insulated containers are being used to improve the cold chain process for demersal and other fish species, as well as deliver economic benefits to traders and processors using them. The model behind group ownership of containers was also examined. A qualitative assessment guided by a semi-structured questionnaire that included key informant interviews and focus group discussion was carried out in four coastal regions in Ghana. The assessment concluded that the containers are generally not in use because the majority of the beneficiaries were fish processors smoking small pelagic fish species.

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  • Report on Facilitating Fish Processors to Produce and Sell Value Added Fish to New Markets in Central and Western Region as Part of Ahotor Oven Promotion Addo, O., J., Smith, N., Affel, R. 1 January 2019

    CEWEFIA worked with trained fish processors to link them to market both the traditional and formal market. Fish was processed on the new improved oven (Ahotor oven) and sent to market to test its marketability. The focus of this activity was to promote the use of the Ahotor Oven, adoption of food safety protocols at the market and generate consumer interest for higher income. Forty five fish processors (22 from Elmina, 18 from Moree, 1 from Anlo Beach, and 4 from Sekondi/Ngyeresia), who had been trained in business management skills were selected to buy fish at Elmina landing beach and smoke them on the Ahotor oven. The fish was then nicely packaged and labeled with contact addresses of each processor and sent to the local market, offices and restaurants.

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  • Mangrove Replanting at Densu Delta. Asare, A. 1 January 2019

    The members of DOPA have planted 5,000 seedlings of red mangroves under the current project year implementation. While previous planting has been done with a mixture of direct propagules planting and that of seedlings from established nursery, the 5,000 seedlings were done directly from the mangrove propagules. The members of DOPA continue to fulfil one of the key ecological management measures as stipulated in the draft Community Co-Management draft plan of the Densu Delta. The replanting exercise was undertaken on the 31st January 2019 at the Densu Delta with 46 participants (9 males). This reports highlights some of the processes and replanting exercise performed by the members of the Densu Oyster Pickers Association – DOPA through a picture depiction of the replanting exercise.

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  • SFMP Progress Report January 1 to March 31, 2019. Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2019

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Project Year 5 (FY19). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • SFMP Progress Report October 1 to December 31, 2018 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2018

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Project Year 5 (FY19). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Fisher 2 Fisher (F2F) National Fisheries Management Plan Consultation and Review Engagement Meeting in the Greater Accra region: (Botianor, Winneba, Apam and Mumford) Development Action Association 30 December 2018

    The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) has been actively involved in the consultation process for rolling out an effective implementation process of the fisheries management plan in order to improve the conditions of the fisheries they depend on and increase business opportunities for their communities. This is in recognition that fisheries management and conservation is the only way to a better and more prosperous future of the industry and the fisheries resources. The Council has helped train/orient 407 fisher folks in support the implementation of the fisheries management plan. The Council led the organization and DAA led the facilitation of a day training between Fishermen and NAFPTA, named F2F to organize its members and that of NAFPTA, and increase the capacity of the Council to be able to address the expected responsibilities in fisheries resource management.

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  • Report on Bimonthly Follow Up Meeting with Association Members on Post Harvest Value Chain Improvement and Ahotor Oven Smith, N., Addo, O., J., Affel, R. 12 December 2018

    To stay abreast with the progress being made on their post-harvest activities, the CEWEFIA field team holds meetings with their members in the communities every other month. Three of these meetings were held in Elmina, Moree and Anlo-Beach from 12th December, 18th December and 20th December 2018 respectively. A total of 243 participants attended the meetings.

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  • Documentation of the Pains and Gains of the Ahotor Oven Improvement Process Etsra, H.E, Avega, B. 1 December 2018

    The Ahotor oven was developed as part of efforts to improve on the post-harvest fish value chain by the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) and to address the issues of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on smoked fish. Before its development, the project was promoting the Morrison oven which was an improvement on the Chorkor oven. While the Morrison stove is energy efficient and convenient for the fish processors, fish smoked on it still contain high levels of PAH. There was therefore the need to develop a new technology that is both energy efficient and produces fish with low PAH. A team of local and international consultants were engaged in the development of the Ahotor oven. This study chronicles the development cycle of the Ahotor oven and the strategies adopted for its promotion.

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  • Training on Oyster Culture and Establishment of Oyster Reef Enhancement Development Action Association 1 December 2018

    The Densu Oyster Pickers Association -DOPA has drafted a fisheries management plan to guide the sustainable exploitation of the oyster resources in the Densu Delta. Though the plan is still in its draft stage awaiting adoption by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), the Densu resource users have started implementing some management measures in the draft plan. These measures are to ensure a sustainable exploitation of the oyster resource in the estuary and include: • back-to-back closure of the Densu Delta for five months for all oyster harvesting activities, • the replanting of more than 20,000 seedlings of red mangroves covering several acres of depleted mangrove landscape, • the replanting of harvested oyster shells to boost spat settlement and • the formation of a registered association (DOPA) to regulate the harvesting effort levels. In line with building the capacity of the DOPA members to be able to implement and monitor these management measures, a one-day refresher training was organized on the 20th December 2018 at the DFTC in Kokrobite and the Densu Delta for 42 members (36 females, 6 males) of DOPA in oyster biology & ecology, natural resource conservation, mangrove replanting & conservation and oyster shell replanting.

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  • Training on Post-Harvest Hygienic Fish Handling, Business Skills Development and Fire Safety at DFTC-Kokrobite. Nortey, E. E, Asare, A. 1 December 2018

    Businesses along the fish value chain are the main livelihood of most people living along the coast in Ghana and the Volta Lake. These businesses are faced with challenges that need to be addressed to enable them to increase their incomes and improve livelihoods. In line with this, the DAA Fisheries Training Centre organized a two-day capacity building workshop to address some of these challenges for one hundred fish processors from eleven communities in the Greater Accra and Central regions of Ghana. These communities are Old Ningo, Ahwiam, Chorkor, Tsokomey, Bortianor, Oshiyie, Kokrobite, Nyanyaanor, Apam, Winneba, and Mumford.

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  • Understanding the flow of fish: A scoping visit to Northern Ghana Tiwaah Amoah Y, Hardi B, Beran, K 1 December 2018

    A four-day scoping visit was conducted in December, 2018 to better understand the types of fish species traded and consumed in Northern parts of Ghana. This exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Post-Harvest Unit of the Fisheries Commission at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture with support from the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The primary key informants were fish traders and processors at markets in Bolgatanga (Upper East), Wa (Upper West), Tamale (Northern Region), and Techiman (Brong Ahafo). A snowball sampling technique was used to identify additional key informants such as cold storage owners and operators, fish selling stations (i.e. roadside or from a truck), and fish farmers from among their acquaintances.

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  • Fishers’ Future Plan (FFP) Final Summary Report Resonance Global 1 December 2018

    The FFP is a savings-plus-insurance scheme. It was launched and refined through a pilot stage in three coastal communities in Ghana (with two scale-up communities added in a second phase). Fisherfolk were directly involved in designing and refining the FFP product through collaborative workshops, community meetings, focus groups, and consumer surveys. To make the FFP more scalable and sustainable, private sector partners are delivering the insurance and savings plan via a digital mobile money platform, provided by Vodafone. FFP customers pay their premiums and receive claims payments and receipts via their mobile phones through a mobile money wallet. This allows fisherfolk to make continuous, small contributions, even while migrating frequently along the coast for their work.

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  • Tigo Fishers’ Network (TFN) Final Summary Report Resonance Global 1 December 2018

    Resonance conducted a Rapid Partnership Appraisal to identify companies and organizations whose interests and operations could be leveraged by the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) to support project goals. As part of this assessment, Resonance met with over 70 companies and organizations, including Tigo, a major mobile network operator in Ghana. Through a series of meetings and ideation discussions, SFMP and Tigo determined that they would work together to create a mobile platform tailored for fisherfolk – providing mobile services, digital financial services via Tigo Cash, as well as a means of information sharing between the Government of Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development/Fisheries Commission (MOFAD/FC) and the country’s fisherfolk.

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  • Microbiological and PAH Profile of Smoked Sardinella in Ghana. Amponsah, S.K.K., Kjellevold, M., Berchie A., Etsra, H.E. 1 November 2018

    This assessment was requested by the SNV to assess the microbiological safety of small pelagic, the level of PAH in samples of fish smoked with Chorkor, Barrel and Improved Ahotor oven, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk associated with fish samples smoked with Chorkor, Barrel and Improved Ahotor ovens. This assessment was conducted with the assistance of technologists and scientists from CSIR-Food Research Institute, Ghana and Institute of Marine Research, Norway respectively from June to November, 2018.

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  • (Fisher 2 Fisher) Zonal Fisher Folks Consultation and Review Engagement Meetings on the National Fisheries Management Plan (NFMP). November 2018 Johnson, KBR., Ewur, Ne. Boachie-Yiadom T. 1 November 2018

    FoN under SFMP supported the GNCFC and NAFPTA in the month of November 2018 to organize F2F meetings at Axim, Shama and Sekondi in the western region with a total participation of 958 participants made up of 758 males and 200 female fishers. Officials from the Western Regional Directorate of the Fisheries Commission were directly involved in the F2F meetings and they used the platforms to engage the fishers and explain the implementations processes to the satisfaction of the fishers.

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  • Assessing the Economic Viability of Use of Ice Chests by fish Marketers and Processors and On-Board Canoes Atikpo, M. 1 November 2018

    The use of ice is to preserve post-harvest fish quality on-board and on-shore. As an activity in the Year 3 Work Plan under the SFMP, the use of ice and insulated fish containers/ice chests have been piloted as a measure of improving freshly harvested fish quality.

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  • Planning Meeting for Pra Estuary Fisheries Co-Management Plan Implementation Friends of the Nation 1 November 2018

    The Pra community-based fishery management planwas design to manage the fishery in the lower Pra estuary and its associated wetlands, which covers a total area of 3,190 hectares including mangrove and wetland habitats. The co-management plan was developed becauseof demand from stakeholders, especially local communities’ and traditional leaders through a participatory manner involving all eleven communities and relevant institutions. The process was facilitated by Friends of the Nation with funding support from the USAID/SFMP. Implementation of the co-management plan began in early 2018, however series of action planning meetings were held in the months of October and November 2018 to ensure the successful continuous implementation of the plan.

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  • Year Five Work Plan, October 1, 2018 to October 29, 2019 Coastal ResourcesCenter 1 October 2018

    There are funding challenges that are reflected in the Year 5 work plan. On July 10, 2018 SFMP submitted a pipeline request for funding of US$ 2,598,917. On August 23, 2018 USAID informed SFMP that a budget modification would be made to provide US$1,750,00 in additional funding with the possibility that no additional funding would be available until March 31, 2019.This work plan reflects programming of the entire amount currently obligated through March 31, 2019.The project will require an additional obligation in FY 19,prior to April 1, 2019 of US$1,592,550 to carry SFMP activities through closeout of the project by Oct 29, 2019.

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  • Capacity Building Workshop for Regional Executives of NAFPTA Resonance Global 1 October 2018

    In 2016, the organizational capacity of NAFPTA was assessed and the report shared with the executive council of the association. The executives were then supported by SFMP to develop standard operating procedures to guide NAFPTA’s engagement with its constituents. This report is on a workshop organized for the regional executives of NAFPTA to assess the progress made with the adoption and implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the way forward.

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  • Training on Torkor Model of Gawu Antwi, H., Affel, R. & Smith, N. 1 October 2018

    The workshop was attended by stakeholders consisting of teachers, nurses, seamstresses, tailors, religious leaders, artisans, carpenters, canoe owners, fish processors, Ghana Private Road Transport Union, drivers, and storekeepers. In all, 85 participants took part in the workshop. The workshop was in two fold, i.e. power point presentations and discussions. The participants were taken through the definitions of child labor, child trafficking, child protection strategies, worst form of child labor and referral mechanisms.

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  • Report On Learning Tour to Torkor for SFMP Partners and Selected Stakeholders Semordzi, Edem 1 October 2018

    The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the TUC implemented the Torkor Model at Kpando Torkor in the Volta Region which focused on fishers (fishermen and processors). The model put in place systems that promote decent work and community development, using Child Labor as an entry point. The Model is hinged on organizing and mobilizing fish workers (including fishermen and fish processors) and employers (boat/canoe owners) by equipping them with the relevant knowledge, skills and motivation to combat child labor, enhance their productivity and share their experiences with national and international partners.The Child Labor and trafficking partners’ team of the SFMP wasinterested in understanding how the Model was implemented and assess the possibility of replicating the learnings in the respective pilot communities. It is in this regard that the team decided to embarkon a tour to Kpando Torkor to experience the changes on the ground and learn from the beneficiaries.

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  • Training for Ankobra CBFM Community Chiefs Asare, C. 1 October 2018

    The objectives of the training by the project were to: • Improve understanding of co-management as a tool to resource management, • Enhance understanding of the role of the Ankobra community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) Association and how the chiefs complement this role, • Emphasize the importance of conflict and its management in fisheries management • Create a feedback platform as means of monitoring the implementation progress of the CBFM action plan and performance of the CBFM Association.

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  • Identify and Train Church Representatives as Ambassadors of CLaT in The Churches Fiatui, G., Buaben, J. 1 October 2018

    CEWEFIA under the sustainable Fisheries Management project is working to prevent Child labor and Trafficking (CLaT) in Fisheries in Elmina and Moree in the Central Region of Ghana. Since CLaT is generally a complex phenomenon caused by many factors, one of CEWEFIA’s strategies is to collaborate with many relevant partners to empower vulnerable households and communities and increase awareness on the dangers associated with CLaT. Religious Bodies have been identified as key stakeholders as they have the platform to continuously reach out to their members.

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  • Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Annual Report. October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018. Owusu, A. A. 1 October 2018

    Environmental Compliance is a mandatory requirement for all USAID-funded programs, to ensure project activities do not have significant impact on the environment. USAID Implementing Partners are obligated to consider throughout the life of project, environmental impacts arising from its activities. During the FY 2018 of the SFMP, all USAID environmental requirements laid down in the project Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were complied with to ensure no significant impact on the environment from activity implementation.

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  • Report on Monitoring of MSMEs in Axim, Asanta, Ankobra and Shama (DQF) Takyi, M. 1 October 2018

    CEWEFIA has designed a series of capacity building interventions aimed at improving household income and livelihoods of fish processors. Some of the interventions carried out are trainings on; Business Development, value addition to fish products, hygienic fish handling on the use and maintenance of Ahotor oven. Monitoring visits were therefore carried out in Axim, Asanta, Shama and Ankobra.

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  • Annual Report, October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. Annex 3: Fisheries stories reported in the local media in Year 4 and Annex 4: List of publications completed in Year 4. Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2018

    This document provides supplementary information to the Year 4 (October 2017 to September 2018) annual report for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

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  • Annual Report. October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018 Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2018

    This annual report updates project progress through Year 4 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018) and provides information on how partners are contributing to the achievement of project targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP. Progress towards implementing significant management measures in the fisheries sector in Ghana were highlighted in dramatic fashion in Q4 of FY18 when a nationwide closed season was announced by MOFAD and rescinded shortly thereafter following a letter to the President from the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen’s Council (GNCFC).

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  • Capacity Building for Competency Based Training (CBT) Implementation and Facilitation Report Development Action Association 3 September 2018

    In June 2016, the DAA Fisheries Training Centre (DFTC) applied to the Council of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) for accreditation to teach and award certificates in Competency Based Training (CBT). To receive the accreditation, COTVET required DAA develop a three-year strategic plan that establishes a governance system for DAA, health, safety and environmental policy, admissions policy, legal framework as well as a list of appropriate tools and equipment for training. A 3-day workshop was held at the Eastgate Hotel in Accra for the facilitators of the DFTC. They were trained by officials of COTVET on Facilitation skills, Assessment, internal Verification and External Verification concepts of the Competency-Based Training (CBT) on the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Qualification framework (NTVETQF)

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  • FACT SHEET: Development Action Association Fisheries Training Center DFTC. Development Action Association 2 September 2018

    The DAA Fisheries Training Center (DFTC) established under a Feed the Future Initiative UASID sponsored Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID/ SFMP). DFTC was established to build the capacity of fisher folk, particularly of those in the artisanal and industrial sectors, in the areas of best and responsible fishing, & fish processing and trading practices trough-out the value chain. In line with the key USAID/SFMP objective which seeks to rebuild targeted marine fisheries stocks through the adoption of sustainable practices. Special attention has been given to women fisher folks and women led fisher processing business to improve their business capacity and skills.

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  • Fisheries Working Group (FWG) Legislative Review Regional Consultations with Fishers, Traditional leaders & CSOs T. Boachie-Yaidom and K.K. Yamoah 1 September 2018

    This report shares the key output of a 3-day legislative review consultative workshop organized from 14th to 16th February, 2018 at Akromah Plaza Hotel in Takoradi, Western Region. As well as presents the collated inputs for the drafting instructions that will be used to guide the development of a new fisheries law for Ghana.

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  • ClaT Regional District Child Protection Committees Interface Durbars with Community Advocates Johnson, KBR 1 September 2018

    CLaT issues are one of the blotched areas of Ghana’s fisheries contributing to Ghana spiraling down on the US State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Watch-list in June 2016 after two consecutive years which meant the country’s authorities were not doing enough in combatting human trafficking, therefore risking sanctions from the donor community, especially the U.S Government (USG). Friends of the Nation (FoN) and partners in the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID-SFMP) and many other programs in both state and non-state social and economic development initiatives benefit from USG assistance annually to the tune of Eight Hundred Million (US$800,000,000) in the areas of fisheries, agriculture, security, education, health, human rights, judiciary etc) therefore the potential of losing this support had ominous development implications for the country.

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  • Fisheries Working Group (FWG) Quarterly Regional Coordination meetings with SFMP Partners Yamoah K.K. 1 September 2018

    This report covers the stakeholders’ consultations and engagements held in relation of the closed season and narrates the content and the key outputs.

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  • Training Report on Use And Maintenance of New Improved Oven In Daasgift Communities Affel, R., Addo, O., J., Takyi, M. 1 September 2018

    The training methodology adopted were hands-on demonstrations and experience sharing. The participants were taken through the step by step process of making the Ahotor oven ready for use, the actual smoking of fish on the oven and how to clean the oven after use. Participants then asked questions on the processes that made the Ahotor oven different from the Chorkor they are familiar with.

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  • Fisheries Working Group Regional Meetings on NFMP with GNCFC, Canoe/Gear Owners, Boat/Canoe Captains, Service Boys and Crew Members. Kwadwo, K.Y. 1 September 2018

    The objective of this five-year project (October 2014-October 2019) is to rebuild targeted marine fisheries stocks and catches through adoption of responsible fishing practices. The project contributes to the Government of Ghana’s fisheries development objectives and USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative. More than 100,000 men and women involved in the local fishing industry will benefit from this project. Working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Ghana Fisheries Commission, SFMP aims to end overfishing of key stocks important to local food security through: • Improved legal enabling conditions for co-management, use rights and effort-reduction strategies. • Strengthened information systems and science-informed decision-making. • Increased constituencies that provide the political and public support needed to rebuild fish stocks. • Implementation of applied management initiatives for several targeted fisheries ecosystems.

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  • Report on Monitoring of Trained Fish Processors on Post, Harvest Activities. Takyi, M. 1 September 2018

    The purpose of the monitoring is to track the use of the knowledge acquired at the training document any changes as a result of the training and also for program planning. Monitoring visits were therefore undertaken to beneficiary communities in Elmina, Moree, Anlo, Sekondi / Ngyiresia, Asanta, Shama and Ankobra

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  • Report on Pilot support of Healthy Fish Certification Program in the Volta Region Etsra, H. E. and G Tibu, G. A 1 September 2018

    The SFMP project in response to these issues has developed the Class 1 Recognition Scheme to ensure that smoked fish is processed under hygienic conditions devoid of chemical and microbial contaminants. The purpose of the scheme is to promote the production and trade of healthy fish on the Ghanaian market through the use of clean cooking technology and the adoption of strict environmental and hygienic standards, to reduce contamination. ir 4

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  • Report on Monitoring of Trained Fish Processors on Post –Harvest Activities Takyi.M 1 September 2018

    The purpose of the monitoring is to track the use of the knowledge acquired at the trainings document any changes as a result of the trainings and also for program planning.

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  • Report Monitoring of Trained Takyi, M. 1 September 2018

    The monitoring was aimed at tracking the progress made by beneficiaries after the trainingsand document any changes that CEWEFIA’s interventions has had on the beneficiaries.

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  • Closed Season Brief Apetorgbor, S. 1 September 2018

    The term "closed season”, or “biological rest period", refers to the stopping of fishing during the spawning period of the fish. It is a way of reducing fishing pressure on stocks when they are most productive in terms of allowing the fish a chance to lay their eggs to replace the lost population due to fishing and other natural causes.

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  • Selection of Key Competencies for a Ghana Marine Police Fisheries Law Enforcement Induction Curriculum. Coastal Resources Center. 1 September 2018

    This document outlines suggested competencies and methods for the Ghana Police Academy to apply when developing a Marine Police Unit induction curriculum for training all new MPU Officers after graduating from the Police Academy and before joining the MPU on patrols.

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  • Fisheries Child Labor Policy Socialization Engagement Workshops with District Assemblies’ Child Protection Committees. Johnson, Kbr and Yamoah K.K 1 September 2018

    This contributed to Ghana as a nation demonstrating at local government level, the commitment and resources to contribute to combating CLaT and human trafficking. Such commitment was a major requirement for improving Ghana’s ranking on the US Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) global report (where Ghana was place on Tier Two Watch list for two consecutive period).

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  • Accra Fisheries Communication Summit Odenkey, N. 1 September 2018

    The Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) organized Fisheries Communication summit in Accra on September 13-14, 2018. Key partners from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Fisheries Commission, Environmental Justice Foundation, CARE, CEWEFIA, Friends of the Nation, Resonance Global, Netherlands Development Agency (SNV), Hen Mpoano and Development Action Associate participated. Discussion at the summit were focused on issues of communication that bind together preparation for fisheries closed season next year and Supporting the effort of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development/Fisheries Commission in the implementation of the National Fisheries Management Plan.

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  • Training on Fire Safety, First Aid and Fire Safety Equipment, DFTC-Accra Development Action Association 20 August 2018

    AThe Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reguires owners of residential and commercial buildings to comply with the Legislative Instrument (LI 2249) and acquire fire certificate for their buildings to enhance fire safety. total of 14 DAA staff participated in the fire safety training on the 20th of August 2018 at the premises of the DAA Fisheries Training Center located at Kokrobite in the Ga South Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The training was facilitated by Officer Quaye from the Amasaman (Ga South) Fire Brigade, Department of Public Safety and Education. The participants were trained on *Introduction to fire * Fire emergency preparedness and evacuation * Practical demonstration on the use of a fire extinguisher, fire blankets and jute sacks.

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  • Report on Gender Lens Assessment for SNV Ghana B. Avega 1 August 2018

    In the fourth year of the project, SNV was responsible for supporting the staff of Development Action Association and SNV Ghana to mainstream gender in their work. An assessment carried out recognized deliberate efforts by team members to include men, women and the marginalized in all programs and also make it convenient for nursing mothers and pregnant women to participate in meetings and activities conducted by the project, while reporting on attendance at all activities is segregated by gender.

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  • Report on Training of Trainers Workshop on VSLA Formation Followed by Forming of VSLA Groups in CEWEFIA Target Communities Affel, R., Addo. J., Antwi, H. 1 August 2018

    A Training of Trainers workshop was organized for CEWEFIA staff on Village Savings and Loan Association formation (VSLA) at Takoradi from Wednesday, 30th May -1st June, 2018. Mr. Frederick Antwi, a VSLA specialist in Coastal Sustainable Landscape Project (CSLP) facilitated the workshop. The purpose of the training was to provide the necessary skills to enable CEWEFIA field officers to form Village Savings and Loan groups in its target communities. The workshop was composed of lectures/presentations and a field visit. The first and third day focused on power point presentations and discussions while the second day focused on a field visit to Anlo Beach. The trainees were taken through the VSLA concept, overview of VSLA, importance of VSLA, and VSLA Modules.

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  • Media Awareness and Advocacy On Clat Policies and Laws: – Journalist Orientation Workshops Johnson, K.B.R., Efua.,N. Yamoah, K.K. 1 August 2018

    Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic that deprives women, men and children of their basic rights each day. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing crimes in the world that profits from the exploitation and victimization of human beings and undermines national economies and human safety. Virtually all countries are affected (source, transit, destination or a combination) thereof and Ghana is no exception. Specifically, on Ghana, the challenge (and crime) is steeped deep in poverty and ignorance with the powerful and greedy exploiting the vulnerabilities of the poor and the ignorant.

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  • Media Awareness and Advocacy On Clat Policies and Laws: – Journalist Orientation Workshops Johnson, K.B.R., Efua.,N. Yamoah, K.K. 1 August 2018

    The objective of the media orientation program was to situate the seriousness of the local and global Human Trafficking situation for the media to appreciate how critical it is as a developmental challenge to Ghana in terms of livelihood, food and human securities. It was also intended to increase the media’s interest in investigating and covering issues of Child Trafficking and Trafficking (CLaT) as a developmental issue and shape public opinion and discourse in advocating for resourcing of law enforcement agencies to adequately combat the criminality.

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  • Report On Refresher Training Workshop Affel, R., Antwi, H., and Smith, N. 1 August 2018

    The objectives of the workshop were to: Enhance the capacity of the participants to improve upon their advocacy work. Create a platform for participants to share their experiences and challenges and make recommendations. Develop of community plans based on recommendations on the elimination of child labor and Trafficking through sustained community education.

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  • CSO and GOG Organizational Capacity Development Outcomes Qualitative Snapshot Kent, K. 1 August 2018

    The objective of the capacity development initiative is: to facilitate and support capacity development of key local partner organizations: *For effective implementation and sustainability of the fisheries sector results SFMP supports. * To improve the quality and sustainability of the services local organizations provide to their constituencies * In the case of civil society organizations (CSOs), to better position them to be ready and capable of receiving direct funding from USAID and other donors.

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  • Anti-CLaT Community Public Video Shows and Campaigns Development Action Association 1 August 2018

    As part of the behavioral change communication strategy, the Anti CLaT advocates in Apam with the support of DAA organized video shows to sensitize people in Apam, Winneba and Mumford. The objective of the video shows, which brought together, children, traditional leaders and parents was to sensitize the communities on the dangers of CLaT and make it an unacceptable practice. Some rescued victims of CLaT also shared their experiences while members of the community were given the opportunity to share their views on CLaT, lessons learned from the video and pledged to serve as agents of change.

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  • Training on roles and function of committee members in the Densu Estuary Oyster Management Plan. Development Action Association 1 August 2018

    The objectives of the training were; * To deepen the understanding of the committee members on the content of the management plan. * To review the content of the management plan to align with the National Policy Framework on Co-Management. * To ascertain the challenges and opportunities encountered in the implementation of the plan since its inception.

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  • Savings Micro-Link Insurance Addresses Fishers Needs in Ghana Coastal Resources Center. 2 July 2018

    Joshua Tewu, a 42 year old fisherman in James Town in the Greater Accra region, is optimistic about the future of his work following the introduction of a savings-linked micro-insurance product for fishers and fish processors in his community. He was drawn to fishing over two decades ago because of the sector’s potential for growth.

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  • New Oven Offers a Better Way to Make a Living in Fishing Communities Coastal Resources Center. 2 July 2018

    As part of its development program for 2018 through 2021, the Shama District Assembly will build 96 Ahotor ovens for the five main fishing communities in the area “This will help us produce wholesome fish products, create better job opportunities for youth, and increase the revenue base,” says Mohamed.

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  • Strategy on Anti-Child Labor and Trafficking in Fisheries The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) 1 July 2018

    Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) is a major global problem that governments, civil society and development partners show grave concern about because of its devastating impact on society. The ILO's 2008 estimates asserts that about 60 percent of the 215 million boys and girls engaged in child labor occur in the agricultural sector (including fishing, aquaculture, livestock and forestry) while UNIDOC reports that a total of 161 countries are identified to be affected by human trafficking by either being a source, transit or destination country. US Department of State data indicates that an estimated 600,000 to 820,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders yearly, with approximately 50 percent being minors.

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  • Mangrove replanting at Densu estuary. Development Action Association 1 July 2018

    The objective of the replanting exercise is to replenish all depleted land areas under the Densu Delta Co Management Plan. The members were mobilized with support from the Forestry Commission of Ghana to raise and replant re mangrove propaguleson the severely degraded sites along the Densu River.

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  • Densu Co-Management Committee Review Meetings Development Action Association. 1 July 2018

    The meeting was held with the three groups namely, DOPA Tsokome, DOPA Bortianor and DOPA Tetegu, to afford them the opportunity to review the management plan before its adoption.

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  • Tigo Fisher Network Pilot Lessons Learned Paper – Focus Group Results. Tackie-Otoo, N. and Resonance Global. 1 July 2018

    SFMP (led by Resonance) conducted a study to explore TFN performance from customers’ perspectives and Airtel-Tigo general services among fisherfolk (TFN customers and non-customers).

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  • SFMP Progress Report April 1 to June 30, 2018 Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2018

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Project Year 4 (FY18). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Editors/Morning Show Hosts Luncheon Media Outreach Event Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2018

    As part of the communication strategy, SFMP organized the Editors/morning show hosts luncheon to create the enabling environment for the senior Journalists and players in the fisheries sector to interact and share knowledge on the fisheries sector and also help the senior Journalists understand and appreciate the deeper issues facing Ghana to be able to effectively generate quality reports on them. It was also to appeal to the editors/morning show hosts to prioritize reportage and discussions in the fisheries sector. This is to help put issues in the fisheries sector in the spotlight to generate discussions in the media landscape. This event brought together over 30 senior journalists and morning show hosts to enable them to understand and appreciate fisheries development issues and be able to lead discussions on them and assign reporters to cover fisheries-related events in order to churn out quality news reports.

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  • A New Post-Harvest Fish Processing Training Center in Ghana Coastal Resources Center. 22 June 2018

    In cooperation with the Fisheries Commission and Ghana StandardsAuthority, DAA is already delivering training on improving smoked fish quality relative to food safety, food security and value addition through hygienic handling and packaging. Lydia knows that the training will improve the health of fish processors and consumers, as well as address specific environmental concerns related to current fish handling and processing.

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  • Inter-Community School Debates Competition. Development Action Association 8 June 2018

    The expected outcomes of the inter school quiz on child labor and trafficking is that school-going children will be aware of CLaT issues in their communities, • gain knowledge on how they can prevent CLaT, and which agencies they can contact for assistance. The quiz took place at the conference room of the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly in the Central Region of Ghana on the 8th of June 2018. There were four (4) participating schools while pupils from four (4) other schools were in the audience. The schools were pre-selected in consultation with the District Education office. The members of the debating team were all JHS students.

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  • Summary of the 2016-2018 directed study course for Graduate Students studying integrated fisheries management. Robadue Donald 1 June 2018

    The aim of the directed study was to help new and continuing international students pursuing graduate degrees associated with CRC projects including Ghana and Malawi become established in their study and living situations, augmenting the support provided by their respective departments. *It sought to help them remain engaged with each other and as members of the network of researchers and professionals involved in their respective sponsoring projects at home.

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  • Report On Launch of CEWEFIA New Fish Processing Facility Affel, R., Antwi, H., Smith, N. 1 June 2018

    On Tuesday 29th May 2018, CEWEFIA launched its new fish processing facility. The launch was held at the CEWEFIA Integrated Project Site, Ayisa-Elmina. The facility was initially a fish processing shed which has now been renovated through the support of USAID/Ghana/SFMP to meet basic compliance for fish processing. The purpose of the launch was to officially open the facility to the public for its intended use. It also aimed at officially handing over the facility from SFMP to CEWEFIA for its management and use.

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  • Report On The Construction And Handing Over Of The DAA Fisheries Training Center Avega B. 1 June 2018

    Development Action Association (DAA) as part of the SFMP project requested to have a fisheries training center to serve, small scale fishers, to build their capacity and add value to their work. Fortunately, URI was in favor and therefore they gave the approval and released funds for SNV to support DAA to have the center constructed. The construction process started in November 2016 and ended in June, 2018. SNV and DAA worked together in monitoring the construction process. The building was finally handed over to DAA and launched on the 19th of June, 2018.

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  • DAA FISHERIES TRAINING CENTER LAUNCH Development Action Association. 1 June 2018

    The objective of the training Centre is to reduce the inefficiencies in the fish value chain through the training of fish processors on the production and trade of quality fish in Ghana.

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  • Demonstration and Sensitization on Use of the Ahotor Oven Development Action Association 2 May 2018

    SNV and other partners under the SFMP developed the Ahotor smoker, which is a more efficient and improved fish smoker with many other benefits beyond improving health; it saves time, reduces smoke inhalation and increases comfort for fish processors, contributes to a cleaner environment, and ensures a more sustainable use of a diminished energy resource (fuel wood). To create awareness, promote the use and adoption of the Ahotor oven among fish processors, DAA used an oven constructed by SFMP for a project beneficiary, to demonstrate its use to members of 4 fish processing groups – Boafo, Yena and Osimpam fish processors in Winneba and Tsokomey and Adom Nnsa fish processors association in Apam. The objectives of this demonstration are to: sensitize fish processors on the Ahotor oven technology and promote the benefits of its use.

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  • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (Revised May, 2018) Coastal Resources Center 1 May 2018

    Following USAID ADS 203 guidance, this document serves as the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (M&E Plan). The M&E Plan is a tool for planning, managing, evaluating, and documenting progress towards achieving the goals of the project. It will help us methodologically evaluate and communicate the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. It will be part of our overarching learning strategy that is based on adaptive management, sound science for management, stakeholder participation, and periodic self-evaluation. The M&E Plan includes two major components. First is the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and its associated indicator reporting which is tied to the project goal and intermediate results. Second is a knowledge management and learning strategy to communicate and share information, results, and lessons—and solicit input and feedback for adaptive management. This approach will optimize the project’s performance and ensure accountability to USAID and the Ghanaian and American people.

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  • Workshop Report on the Draft Instructions for the Development of Ghana’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill Agbey, S., Tsikata, S. 1 May 2018

    The SNV Capacity Development Team has been working with local NGOs and other stakeholders in the fisheries sector, assisting in capacity development activities for these stakeholders in the Fisheries sector. The team from SNV, as part of supporting GITA to make input into the draft instructions for the development of Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill supported GITA to organize a review workshop.

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  • Shellfish Co-Management: Peer to Peer Study Tour to Western Benin Oyster Communities Adité, Alphonse, Adité, Perpétue, Agbey-Dedei, Sarah, Asare, Abraham, Janha, Fatou, Kent, Karen 1 May 2018

    This Shellfish Co-Management Peer to Peer Study Tour to Western Benin Oyster Communities was part of a series of peer to peer capacity development actions facilitated by USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) to support a women-led participatory fisheries co-management planning process for sustainable management of the Densu River estuary oyster fishery in Ghana in partnership with Development Action Associates (DAA). The Densu estuary co-management planning process is modelled on the participatory, ecosystem-based, rights-based co-management approach implemented in The Gambia by the TRY Oyster Women’s Association (TOWA) and the Department of Fisheries, facilitated by the University of Rhode Island (URI) under the USAID/BaNafaa Project. The Benin study tour built on previous peer to peer capacity development activities organized by SFMP

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  • Planning meeting on the implementation of the national plan of action on the elimination of human trafficking Semordzi, E. 1 May 2018

    As part of the various stakeholder’s commitment in implementing the action plans under the thematic areas, SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation), an implementing partner of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID/SFMP was tasked to support the Ministry to coordinate the activities of Prevention working Group under the 4Ps: partnering, prevention, protection, and prosecution. The objectives of the planning meeting were to share activities undertaken by stakeholders, review the work done by the stakeholders for future engagements and to network and foster cooperation which is lacking in the implementation of the NPA.

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  • Business Management Training Workshop Affel R., Antwi, H., Addo, O. J. 1 May 2018

    As part of the efforts to achieve its vision: “Improvement of socio-economic status of rural women and wellbeing of children and the community as a whole”, CEWEFIA with support from USAID/SFMP organized a five-day training for fish processors, fishmongers, fishermen, canoe/boat/net owners and all those who are engaged in fisheries related businesses in the project communities, i.e. Moree, Elmina and Sekondi-Ngyresia from Monday 30th April to Friday 4th May 2018. The objectives of the training were to improve the business management skills of its members for maximum income. The training topics included Financial Management Skills, Record Keeping, Customer Care, Calculating Profit and Cost Categorization. The training was facilitated by CEWEFIA Team. A total of 162 participants attended the training as Elmina 48 (3 men, 45 women); Moree 41 (3 men, 38 women) and Sekondi 73 (13men and 60 women).

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  • TRY Oyster Women’s Association Technical Assistance Visit to DAA and Densu Oyster Picker’s Association. Janha, Fatou 1 May 2018

    The purpose of this Technical Assistance visit was to follow up on a recent March 2018 study tour of two Densu Oyster Picker’s Association (DOPA) oyster pickers and one DAA staff from Ghana to The Gambia and to support the application of lessons learned. The Ghanaian women came to The Gambia to visit oyster harvesting communities and learn the best oyster harvesting methods, good governance and co- management practices, as well as post-harvest processing and marketing techniques. From May 1 – 5, 2018, a team of three people led by Fatou Janha, Director of TOWA, Lamin Saine from the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Isatou Jarju from TOWA, conducted a 5-day visit to the DOPA women oyster pickers in the Densu River estuary delta in Ghana.

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  • Value Chain Improvements In Small-Scale Fisheries: Case Studies From West Africa Beran, K. 1 May 2018

    Seafood is one of the most traded food commodities in the world by value. Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to the global production and supply of seafood. Yet, many small-scale fisheries in developing countries fail to maximize value of seafood products due to post-harvest loss, production, distribution, and marketing challenges.The purpose of this study is to examine how post-harvest innovations might address some of these challenges, whom they benefit along the fisheries value chain, and factors that influence adoption of innovations through two case studies in West Africa.

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  • Norms for Management Of Community-Based Fishery In Ankobra Estuary Kankam, S. 1 May 2018

    Since FY 16, Hen Mpoano has facilitated series of participatory resource management and capacity building activities for five Ankobra river estuarine communities. This culminated in the preparation of a community-based fisheries management plan for the Ankobra river estuary. The management plan preparation was a community-owned process which witnessed the participation of over 1,000 resource users, including fishmongers and processors.

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  • The Value and Volume of Oysters Harvested from the Densu Estuary: A Rapid Assessment Bilecki, D. B. Crawford, B, Hardi-Nyari. 1 May 2018

    This rapid assessment attempts to provide a first approximation estimate of the value and volume of oysters coming from the Densu Delta. The study is also expected to identify what percentage of the oyster harvest is consumed at home for food security, and what percent is sold for income generation, and gross revenues derived from the fishery by the oyster pickers.

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  • Capacity Building Workshop for Information Officers on How to Capture CLaT and Postharvest Information. Antwi, H. and Affel, R. 1 May 2018

    A two day capacity building workshop was organized for community information officers in the project catchment area at Elmina and Moree. The workshop was attended by officers of community information centers and radio stations. The purpose of the workshop was presentations and discussions centered on the meaning of child labor, child trafficking, and worst form of child labor. Videos, pictures and illustrations were shown to give true picture of CLaT issues in the fisheries communities. Another presentation was done on post-harvest value chain which comprised of hygienic fish handling, improved packaging, value addition and Class one recognition standard. The representative of the Fisheries Commission also presented on the efforts of Fisheries Commission in the scale up of the Ahotor oven.

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  • Fisher 2 Fisher Consultation Initiative with the GNCFC and NAFPTA Apetorgbor, S. 1 May 2018

    This report details the responses collated from the four coastal regions in the phase two of SFMP dialogue series dubbed Fisher-to-Fisher dialogue (F2F). 1406 fisherfolk made up of chief fishermen, canoe owners, fishermen and fish processors were engaged in discussions on how to sustain their livelihood in line with the objectives of the NFMP. The discussions focused on four management measures outlined in the NFMP for the Artisanal fishery, namely: • Moratorium on new entrants of canoes, • Registration and embossment. • Implementation of additional non-fishing day. • Proposed closed season.

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  • World Day Against Child Labor Commemoration Report 2018 Semordzi, E. 30 April 2018

    A key platform for global advocacy against child labor is the marking of the World Day against Child Labor (WDACL). The day, which is observed on June 12th, is intended to provide an opportunity to gain awareness and action to tackle Child Labor. The annual celebration also affords assessment of progress and a strategic global focus on a particular aspect of child labor. By protecting children it helps to give all of them an equal opportunity to fulfill their potential and live healthy, happy and productive lives. The Sustainable Fisheries Management Project has since its inception in September 2014, commemorated the day mostly in the Central Region and within the fisheries sector because research has identified the region as a source area for recruiting children. This year, 2018, SFMP collaborated with the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations and the National Steering Committee on CLAT (NSCCL) to commemorate the celebration at Cape Coast. The celebration started with a quiz competition amongst 5 JHS schools within the region and a sensitisation and CLaT booklet distribution for two fishing community schools in Cape Coast. The main durbar was preceded with a placard walk in the principal streets of Cape Coast, by school children, educating residents on CLaT issues. The durbar was graced by government officials, political figures, traditional leaders, development partners, schools, fishers and community members.

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  • Anti-CLaT Partners Meeting Report, 2018 Semordzi, E. 30 April 2018

    In order to effectively work together to ensure that the project’s interventions are making positive impacts, it has become necessary to undertake periodic coordination meetings to ensure adequate collaboration and integration of roles towards achieving the goal of the project’s interventions under CLaT. This last quarter meeting which ends all CLAT activities for the project was focused on reviewing work done over the four year term of the project and identified, successes, challenges and opportunities for further interventions.

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  • Training Report on Anti-Clat Strategies, Referral Process and the Use of Systematic Referral Mechanism and Protocols. Semordzi, E. 19 April 2018

    With increasing poverty due to decline in fish catches, the problem of CLaT in fishing communities is likely to increase. In view of this, the SFMP is implementing a number of strategies aimed at reducing CLaT in the fisheries sector through behavior change communications and livelihood interventions that target adult caretakers (parents, guardians, etc.) who are key perpetrators as a result of poverty or lack of knowledge on the dangers of CLaT on children. One of the strategies is aimed at building the capacity of and supporting Fisheries Associations (NAPTA, GNCFC, GITA, NAFAG) from Moree, Cape Coast and Elmina, under the Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA), Local Implementing Partners, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Police Service (AHTU), Ghana Health Service and Department of Social Welfare on Child Labor and Trafficking Strategy; use of the systematic referral mechanism and protocols developed under the Child Protection Compacts.

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  • Training of Certification Auditors for Class 1 Certification Scheme Etsra, H.E., Tibu, G.A. 11 April 2018

    As part of the Class 1 Recognition Scheme pilot program, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission organized a training workshop to train zonal fisheries officers as auditors for the scheme. The training was carried out for zonal officers countrywide, in two sessions, the southern sector and the northern sector. The training was aimed at building capacity of participants on the concept for the Class 1 certification scheme. Participants were trained on the protocols involved in carrying out the audits, the checklist and how to work with it. In addition they were trained on the Gender mainstreaming strategy and the child labor and trafficking strategy for the fisheries sector. The zonal officers, with respect to their role are the front liners working in the various communities and thus will be the direct implementers of all 3 strategies at the community and district levels.

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  • A Guide on Illegal Fishing Activities in Ghana Afoakwah, Richmond. 1 April 2018

    This manual is intended to contribute immensely to the development of fisheries, and the value chain in Ghana, improve profitability; and gains to fisheries law enforcers, fishermen, and fish processors would be quantitatively demonstrated.

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  • Status of the small pelagic stocks in Ghana and recommendations to achieve sustainable fishing 2017 Lazar, N., Yankson K., Blay, J., Ofori-Danson, P., Markwei, P., Agbogah, K., Bannerman, P., Sotor, M., Yamoah, K. K., Bilisini, W. B. 1 April 2018

    This report provides an update of the status of the small pelagic fish stocks in Ghana through 2017. It was led by the Scientific and Technical Working Group (STWG) of the USAID/ Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The information contained here was obtained from the Fisheries Scientific and Survey Division (FSSD) of the Fisheries Commission (FC) of Ghana and other available information. In this report we use the best available scientific information to show the status of small pelagic stocks in Ghana. Although these stocks extend beyond the borders of Ghana’s EEZ, we assume, for management purposes only, that the landings from Ghana form single small pelagic stock. While we recognize that this assumption may not be valid but since the landings realized in the EEZ of Ghana represent a large share of the Gulf of Guinea, it is fair to assume that that this assessment is indicative of the rest of the stock outside the boundaries of Ghana.

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  • Leadership Training for Various Fish Processors’ Groups Owusu Aduomih, A. 1 April 2018

    As part of capacity building interventions for the various groups in the area of gender integration in fisheries co-management, a series of gender leadership and conflict management trainings were organized for 7 women fish processors/trading groups from Elmina, Moree, Winneba, Apam (Central Region) and Axim, Ankobra and Asanta (Western Region). It had been realized that most training of trainers for selected leaders from the various groups don’t get transferred to members of their groups. This had caused knowledge gaps between leaders and members of their groups and most often led to conflict within groups. Selected leaders from the various groups were therefore trained on leadership and conflict management on the 20th of Feb 2018 at office of Hen Mpoano in Takoradi in the Western of Ghana. The trained leaders led the facilitation of the trainings within their various groups at the community level. The trainings which lasted for a month spanned from 27th March to 18th April. In all, a total of 155 women fish processors and traders benefited from the training.

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  • Report On Meeting Between CEWEFIA And Central Region Fisheries Commission Affel, R., Antwi, H., Smith, N. 1 April 2018

    The meeting was purposed to share ideas on how best CEWEFIA and Fisheries Commission (FC) can best work together in the years ahead to achieve project goals. FC pledged its commitment to their responsibilities and charged CEWEFIA to sustain the collaboration between them to ensure activity implementation.

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  • Refresher Training For Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) and Anti-ClaT Advocates Affel, R., Takyi, M. 1 April 2018

    The training deployed the use of discussions, brainstorming and demonstrations to deliver lessons on CLaT prevention, experience and information sharing. There were discussions on Stages in Child Development and its associated characteristics, Support Circle and Child Work. The discussions were led by Madam Cecilia Arthur, a retired Social Welfare Officer for KEEA and Mr. Godfred Nyarkoh, the Municipal Director of Department of Social Welfare, KEEA and a CCPC member.

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  • Refresher Training For Community Anti-Clat Advocates Development Action Association. 1 April 2018

    Child labor and trafficking has been on the forefront of social justice issues in the world for years, with poor countries in the most vulnerable and at-risk. An estimated 215 million children are reportedly engaged in several economic activities worldwide, and seventy percent (70%) of all child labor are found in agriculture (mainly fisheries and forestry).

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  • F2F Meetings Across the Coastal Regions Of Ghana. Apetorgbor S. 1 April 2018

    The Council took steps to seek solutions outside the contemporary fisheries management model, often designed for the industrial fisheries sector, to address the artisanal fisheries as a viable fishing industry responsible for the large share of fishing effort and harvest. The Council focused on traditional and local methods based on the long standing and recognized social order within fishing communities lead by the Chief Fishermen to regulate the fisheries catch and effort.

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  • Training on the Use and Maintenance Of New Improved Oven Affel, R. and Smith, N. 1 April 2018

    The objectives of the training was; *To equip the fish processors to appreciate the Ahotor oven technology. *To demonstrate the superior performance of the oven to facilitate its adoption *To demonstrate how the ahotor oven can be maintained to last longer.

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  • Densu Oyster Co-Management Plan Validation Workshop Development Action Association and Asare A. 1 April 2018

    In developing this community management plan, many stakeholders were engaged through a series of meetings, workshops and training's, and a learning-by-doing approach at the oyster fishery resource in the Densu Estuary.

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  • Mid Term Review of Nafpta’s Action Plan Agbey, S. and Etsra, H.E. 1 April 2018

    The self-assessment was used in addition to the Organizational Capacity Assessment tool to benchmark each organization at the beginning, midpoint and end of the project. Results of the baseline assessments identified each organization’s needs and priorities.

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  • Report on Multi-Stakeholders Meeting for Elmina, Moree, Anlo-Beach and Sekondi Affel, R., Antwi, H., Smith, N. 1 April 2018

    CEWEFIA under USAID/Ghana/ SFMP organized a one- day meeting with key stakeholders from the project communities; Elmina Moree, Anlo-Beach and Sekondi at Cape Coast Pension House, Conference Room. The meeting was designed to bring together all the heads of department of government institutions in the project communities such as Social Welfare, Forestry Commission, Fisheries Commission Ghana Education Service, Gender Desk, Environmental Health, Food and Drugs Authority; Opinion Leaders, Fishermen and Fish processors. Seventy four (74) stakeholders took part in the meeting consisting of thirty-three (33) men and forty-one (41) women. The meeting provided opportunity for stakeholders to share their insight in the fisheries activities and challenges from Year one to date.

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  • Joint Leadership Training for CBFM Committee members FSSD and Socrates Apertorgbor(SFMP). 1 April 2018

    The objectives of the workshop were to: * Share lessons learned since the introduction of the CBFM in all three (3) pilot areas * Equip committee members with conflict resolution skills by helping them identify and embrace conflict in their respective communities * Enhance their team building skills * Gained better understanding that behavioral change is a process that takes time * Develop a monitoring and evaluation concept for the respective plans * Share lessons from other pilot areas through a field-trip to the Pra estuary.

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  • SFMP Progress Report January 1 to March 31, 2018 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2018

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Project Year 4 (FY18). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Oyster Culture Training Development Action Association 22 March 2018

    DAA support for the co-management of the delta include building the capacity of the users of the rivers on oyster biology, ecology and management with basic technical information on oyster resource management. The Centre for Coastal Management at the University of Cape Coast facilitated the training on the cultch of oysters for the Densu Oyster Pickers Association (DOPA) following the water quality monitoring. The training took 2 days: 1 day for a classroom theoretical session and second day for hands on field demonstrations, on the 22nd and 27th of March 2018 respectively.

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  • Training on Healthy Fish Handling for Fish Processors Development Action Association 1 March 2018

    Hygienic Fish Handling Training was conducted for (30) thirty fishermen and thirty (30) Fishmongers on 21st and 22nd March 2017 at the interim Fisheries Training Centre at Tsokomey in the Ga South Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region. The objectives of this workshop was to help fishers to identify critical points in post-harvest handling of fish that leads to spoilage, to improve fish quality to satisfy consumers, to improve fish quality to increase profit and to avoid unnecessary spoilage of fish after harvest and through the value chain of fish handling.

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  • Training Report on Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for MOFAD/FC Directors, 2018 Kutin R., Blankson, P. 1 March 2018

    This report contains information on a workshop organised within the framework of the USAID/GHANA Sustainable Fisheries Management Project being implemented through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD). It was organised around the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (GMS) for the Leadership of the Ministry of Fisheries’ and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the Fisheries Commission (FC) from March 14-15, 2018 at the Forest Hotel, Dodowa, Eastern region of Ghana. The workshop aimed to secure the buy-in of key decision-makers in the sector, in terms of how the GMS can be implemented.

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  • 2nd Quarter CLaT Partners’ Meeting Report Semordzi E. 1 March 2018

    A report on the 2nd quarter meeting between the implementing partners of the SFMP project. The partners at the 2nd quarter meeting discussed learnings from the Torkor trip and also planned for the World Day against Child Labor. Partners are positive that the Torkor model can be replicated in the Central Region and are willing to incorporate some of the learnings in their current implementation work. Secondly, partners hope to organize the World Day against Child Labor on a national scale and therefore will seek further collaboration with government bodies such as the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP).

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  • Media Outreach Event, March 2018 Ampong, F. 1 March 2018

    This event was aimed at promoting a sound working relationship between the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Fisheries Commission and the media to work closely together towards improving targeted marine fisheries stock and food security. It also stressed the need for the media to prioritize reportage in the fishing sector.

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  • Training for MOFAD Regional and Fisheries Officers on Anti-CLaT Strategy Semordzi, E 1 March 2018

    The purpose of the strategy is to reduce to the barest minimum Child Labour and Trafficking cases within the fisheries sector. With guidance from the Human Trafficking Unit of MoGCSP the final strategy document has been submitted to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development for her approval and adoption for the sector.

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  • Hygienic Fish Handling, New Improved Stove And Consumer Awareness Campaign Affel R., Smith. N. 1 February 2018

    The Hygienic Fish Handling, New Improved Oven and Consumer Awareness Creation Campaigns were organized in the four Project target Communities in Central and Western Regions of Ghana namely Elmina, Moree, Anlo-Beach and Sekondi/Ngyeresia. Each of the campaigns was climaxed with a grand durbar. In all, 483 people participated in the campaign comprising of Chiefs, Chief Fishermen, Canoe Owners, Elders, Market Queens, District Assembly Representatives, Food and Drugs Authority Representatives and Fishermen and Fish Processors/Mongers. The campaign has for its purpose awareness creation on the importance of handling fish under hygienic conditions from net to plate. It was also to educate the people on the new improved oven (Ahotor Oven). The durbar ended successfully with its objectives achieved.

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  • Hygienic Fish Handling, New Improved Stove and Consumer Awareness Campaign Affel, R., Smith, N. 1 February 2018

    The hygienic fish handling, new improved oven and consumer awareness creation campaigns were organized in the four project target communities in Central and Western regions of Ghana; namely Elmina, Moree, Anlo-Beach and Sekondi/Ngyeresia. Each of the campaigns was climaxed with a grand durbar. In all, 483 people participated comprising chiefs, chief fishermen, canoe owners, elders, market queens, district assembly representatives, Food and Drugs Authority representatives, fishermen and fish processors/mongers. The purpose was to raise awareness on the importance of handling fish under hygienic conditions from net to plate. It was also to educate the people on the new improved oven (Ahotor oven). The durbar ended successfully.

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  • Fisheries and Food Security: A briefing from the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, January 2018 Coastal Resources Center 1 February 2018

    The Fisheries sector plays a significant role in the Ghanaian economy overall. It directly employs 263,000 people and is estimated to contribute to the livelihoods of 2.6 million Ghanaians. Ghana’s fish trade deficit is growing. In 2013, it increased to US$319 million while fish imports grew to US$373 million. The small-scale artisanal (canoe) fishery is an important sector of Ghana’s economy and plays significant roles in supporting livelihoods and food security. This fishery produced 70% of the marine fish supply in 2015. Reducing the total fishing effort to the targets recommended by a science and technical working group15 would allow small-pelagic stocks to recover and rebuild. The potential maximum production by 2030 is 90,000MT. Improved post-harvest handling and processing can reverse current post-harvest losses in the value chain that range from 4% to 50% of salted, dried and smoked fish products in Africa. USAID’s significant investments are achieving results and contributing to its country strategy and Ghana’s fisheries and food security development agenda.

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  • MSMEs/VSLAs Formative Evaluation Report McNally, C., Crawford, B. Nyari-Hardi, B., Torell, E. 1 February 2018

    This report presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate the outcomes of the SFMP and CSLP projects support to enhance coastal livelihoods and improve fisheries the post-harvest value chain. The overall purpose of the formative evaluation of project supported MSMEs, VSLAs, and coastal livelihoods are to examine the relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of projects activities. The assessment also gauges the extent to which individual characteristics, geography, and other intervention factors influence change – and the degree of change.

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  • Training of Trainers for Leaders of Fisheries Association in the Western and Central Region Owusu Aduomih, A. 1 February 2018

    As part of the capacity building interventions on strengthening gender roles in the fisheries sector, a one-day gender leadership and conflict management training workshop was organized on the 19th of February 2018, at the Hen Mpoano Office in the Western Region of Ghana. It was attended by 26 women from the various associations and a male representative from CEWEFIA (Appendix for detailed participant list). The training targeted selected leaders from the various fishery associations (DAA, CEWEFIA, NAFPTA) in six SFMP communities in the Central and Western Region of Ghana. The communities included Ankobra, Axim, Shama, Elmina, Apam and Winneba.

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  • Socialization Meeting With DQF and Beneficiaries Affel, R. and Takyi M. 1 February 2018

    A one-day socialization meeting was organized by CEWEFIA in collaboration with Daasgift Quality Foundation for four communities (Asanta, Ankobra, Shama and Axim) on Thursday 22nd February 2018, at Axim in the Western Region of Ghana. The purpose of the meeting was to officially introduce CEWEFIA to the communities and to enable CEWEFIA to carry out hygienic fish handling activities there.

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  • Training on Hygienic Handling of Fish; Class 1 Certification Guidelines Etsra, H. 1 February 2018

    The training aimed to educate fish processors on the importance of producing healthy fish, not only to sell to higher markets but to also ensure that they are not causing harm to other humans by selling unwholesome food (fish) to them. It was also to help identify and support fish processors who are willing to produce fish under hygienic conditions, and help them access higher markets for their efforts for producing healthier fish. The trained processors would also train their helpers to ensure that the processing team adhere to the hygienic practices laid out in the certification checklist.

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  • Report On Learning Tour To Torkor For SFMP Partners And Selected Stakeholders Semordzi, Edem. 1 February 2018

    The main objectives of the tour were: *To Provide a learning platform for partners on the Torkor Model. *Experience and understand how real changes on the ground were achieved. *Find opportunities for replication in the Central Region.

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  • A Two-Day Training in Advocacy Skills For CCPS and Anti- CLaT advocates in Moree and Elmina Fiatui G., Takyi M. 1 February 2018

    CEWEFIA is undertaking advocacy training to build capacity for members of Community Child Protection Committees to effectively support the fight against child labor and trafficking and to highlight the provisions in the law that protect and provide for corrective measures for victims and their families.

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  • Assessment of Ahotor Stove Grants on Households Vulnerable to Child Labor and Trafficking. Beran, K.,and Crawford, B. 1 February 2018

    An assessment of the donation of an Ahotor stove on fishing households vulnerable to child labor and trafficking was conducted in 2017. The purpose of the study was to test the validity of the USAID Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project’s (USAID/Ghana SFMP) theory of change for this intervention.

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  • VSLA Financial literacy Training Report Hen Mpoano 1 February 2018

    The objectives of this training workshop were as follows; To build the skills of selected participants in basic record keeping and to improve upon participants’ knowledge, skills and awareness on financial numeracy and literacy (financial management skills).

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  • Evaluation of the Pilot Project on the Use of Smartphones for Fisheries Data Collection in Ghana Coastal Resources Center 1 February 2018

    The Goal of the workshop was to evaluate the pilot project of the electronic fisheries data collection system implemented by the fisheries commission in four locations. The FSSD will benefit from this evaluation in deciding on future directions for improved fisheries information and management system in Ghana. The workshop included group discussions on various elements and stages of the pilot project launched in March 2017 by the Fisheries Commission to collect fisheries catch and effort data using smartphones. It was held February 14-15, 2018

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  • Report On Supporting NAFPTA in Developing SOPs Etsra, H. 1 February 2018

    The main objective of the workshop was to present the drafted SOPs to NAFPTA National Executives for further discussions and finalization.

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  • Report on supporting developing SOPs for NAFPTA Etsra, H. 1 February 2018

    The main objective of the workshop was to present the drafted SOPs to NAFPTA National Executives for further discussions and finalization. In view of this, a workshop was organized at the Forest Hotel in Dodowa on 22nd February, 2018 to finalize these documents with the NAFPTA National Executives and the working committee

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  • VSLA Refresher Training Report Owusu Aduomih, A. 1 February 2018

    The objectives of the workshop were to: * Train participant on VSLA Modules * Share experiences and challenges faced by the various groups * Way forward for the various groups

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  • Mangrove Nursery establishment in Tsokomey/Bortianor – Training on Nursery Establishment. Development Action Association. Agyekumhene, A & Nyarko, J. Asare, A. 1 February 2018

    The training was aimed at development of skills of selected target group on mangrove seedlings production and mangroves reforestation. The training specifically built capacity of the community members to, among others; *Identify the various species of mangrove in Ghana and in their area *Identify the services provided by mangroves in the Densu Delta wetland *Identify maturity signs of seedlings and/or propagules and more.

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  • Increasing Food Security and Improving Responsible Fishing Practices Coastal Resources Center. 2 January 2018

    Ghana’s open access fishery continues to create an avenue for many fishers to employ illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, and many children are caught in the center of these practices. Children are exposed to various degrees of life-threatening dangers such as rain storms, very cold weather, and risk of drowning, while some suffer daily beatings from their employers.

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  • Market Development and Financing Strategies for the Ahotor Oven. Owusu, D. 1 January 2018

    SNV has worked closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD), the Fisheries Commission (FC), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Food Research Institute (FRI), and other stakeholders to develop the improved Ahotor oven. This oven improves upon traditional methods of smoking fish, which have been found to raise health and environmental concerns for both the fish smoker and consumer. For instance, the continuous exposure to smoke triggers asthma and causes cancer in some cases while the smoked fish also contain PAH levels that are well above those recommended for human health, with the widely used Chorkor oven producing PAH levels 7-10 times above the EU standard. Despite the benefits presented by the Ahotor oven, its uptake among fish processors has been marginal. The objective of the Market Development and Financing Strategies, is to lay out the factors that are impeding the adoption of the oven – including constrained enabling environment, weak supply chain, and a lack of consumer awareness – and outline strategies to address them, including effective financing methods.

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  • Technical Brief: The Rationale and Impact of a Proposed Second Fishing Holiday for the Artisanal Fisheries of Ghana. Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2018

    This technical brief lays out the rationale and likely impacts of implementing a second traditional fishing holiday by the canoe fleet as one contribution to a suite of management measures needed to end overfishing and rebuild fish stocks. It is a pathway to improved landings of fish that have been on the decline for over two decades. This fishing effort reduction measure is one of several measures mandated by the National Fisheries Management Plan for the marine sector adopted in 2015. The second fishing holiday has the support of key national fisheries stakeholder associations including the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen’s Council and the National Fish Processors and Traders Association. It is recommended that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development issue a public notice of a fisheries regulation for an additional non-fishing day for the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta regions on Sunday each week, as well as Tuesday as a non-fishing day for Western, Central and Greater Accra, and Saturday as non-fishing day for the Volta region.

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  • Implementation of Pra Fisheries Co-mgt: Inauguration of reconstituted Pra Fisheries Co-management Committee T. Boachie-Yaidom and K.K. Yamoah 1 January 2018

    A Fisheries Co-management committee was constituted in SFMP year 3 to ensure the effective implementation of the Pra Fisheries Co-management plan. However, the committee formed did not have representatives from all the communities within the management area along the Pra river. Therefore, consultative meetings were organized to mobilize representatives from the remaining communities to ensure that all communities are represented on the Co-management committee.

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  • Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Video Screening in 15 Communities: A Summary Report. Nortey, D. D. N. 1 January 2018

    This work goes to support the work of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the Fisheries Commission (FC). It aims to rebuild Ghana’s small pelagic fish stocks to enhance the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities, create employment, and improve food security

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  • Advocacy and Leadership Training for Konkohene in The Six Coastal Districts in The Western Region Owusu Aduomih, A. 1 January 2018

    The objectives of the training workshop were to Build the skills of Konkohenes to advocate against illegal fishing practices, educate them on the roles and responsibilities of the Konkohene and Form a Network of Konkohene in the Western Region.

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  • Reducing Child Labor and Trafficking in Ghana’s Fishing Communities Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2018

    Ghana’s open access fishery continues to create an avenue for many fishers to employ illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, and many children are caught in the center of these practices. Children are exposed to various degrees of life-threatening dangers such as rain storms, very cold weather, and risk of drowning, while some suffer daily beatings from their employers.

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  • Improving Livelihoods and Supporting Economic Growth Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2018

    Introduced the Ahotor Oven to support national government objectives in improving hygienic fish processing and enhancing the business practices and earnings of the women processors as one approach to advancement of the fisheries sector in Ghana.

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  • Ahotor Oven User Guide SNV 1 January 2018

    This manual provides simple technical pictorial information on the efficient use of the Ahotor oven. It outlines the steps, procedures, and guidelines for smoking fish on the Ahotor oven that can easily be understood by the fish processors.

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  • Fishers Develop Consensus for Fish Stock Recovery in Ghana Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2018

    According to Nana Jojo Solomon, the secretary to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen’s Council (GNCFC), “the collapse of the artisanal fishery threatens economic growth in the sector and presents an internal security problem that potentially directly affects the livelihoods of as many as 150,000 people involved in the marine fishery sector, from fishermen to processors to traders.

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  • Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Asare, A. 1 January 2018

    The meeting was held with the three groups namely, DOPA Tsokome, DOPA Bortianor and DOPA Tetegu, to afford them the opportunity to review the management plan before its adoption.

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  • Sustainable Mangrove Harvesting and Management Training for Mangrove Harvesters: A Summary Report Nortey, D. 1 January 2018

    Two training sections on sustainable mangrove harvesting and management was organized for 51 mangrove harvesters (35 males and 16 females) from Ankobra community to take them through sustainable ways of harvesting mangrove trees and effectively managing mangrove forest and their resources without destroying the ecosystem in general and the mangrove forest in particular. Following up on this, a practical training section was organized for the same group to relate the theory to field practical. Participants were taken through ways of establishing and effectively managing mangroves nursery. The techniques in tendering and replanting of mangroves were also taught during the training.

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  • SFMP Progress Report October 1 to December 31, 2017 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2017

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Project Year 4 (FY18). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • USAID/ Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Annual Progress Report, October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017 Coastal Resources Center 1 December 2017

    This is the annual progress report for Year 3 of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. It covers the time period October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017.

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  • Quarterly Review Meetings With Fisher Folks In Winneba, Apam and Accra Development Action Association 1 December 2017

    DAA has used its Quarterly Review Meetings to disseminate information to members and also share ideas among members. Quarterly review meetings were held in December 2017 in Accra and Apam which included other members of DAA who are farmers to serve the purpose of sharing ideas in general. The objective of these meetings were to discuss and review Year Four activities, identify challenges and oppurtunities, share ideas, success stories and lessons learned and to learn about the way forward.

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  • Fisheries Gender Network, 3rd Annual Meeting Report B. Avega 1 December 2017

    As part of interventions to ensure effective gender mainstreaming which incorporates specific needs of women, men and the youth, a gender network on fisheries was established in March 2016 to ensure that gender concerns are taken on board and addressed accordingly. The founding members of the Network have received training on gender mainstreaming and on tools for mainstreaming gender into their fisheries activities based on the SFMP Gender Mainstreaming Manual. The Fisheries Gender Network is involved in gender mainstreaming learning activities and meet to discuss progress and challenges. This is the third annual meeting report.

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  • Training Of Community Based Artisans On Ahotor Oven Construction Etsra, H. 1 December 2017

    The objectives of the training program were to; *Identify and train local artisans on the Ahotor stove construction and promotion. * Control and protect the standards of the Ahotor technology by giving interested artisans the needed training. *Increase the front of Ahotor oven promotion along the coast. *Use the opportunity to create demand for the Ahotor oven.

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  • Volta Region Traditional Leaders’ Engagement on Implementation on National Fisheries Management Plan Atiatome, E. and Yamoah, K.K. 1 December 2017

    The meeting created the platform to discuss the role of Traditional Leaders in fisheries resource management. The meeting provided the platform to share the content of the NFMP with the traditional and copies of the NFMP were given to them. About 98% of the tradition leaders said the meeting was the first time they heard about the NFMP and its content.

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  • FISHERS FUTURE PLAN LESSONS LEARNED REPORT SSG Advisors 1 December 2017

    The FFP is an affordable life insurance package for fisherfolk, coupled with a mobile money platform for premium payments and receipt of claims. The package is tailored to the needs of Ghana’s fisherfolk, allowing savings for retirement, future consumption and partial withdrawal during lean seasons or closed seasons for fisheries. The FFP uses Vodafone Cash for premium collections and claim receipts.

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  • Meeting with Chiefs and Opinion Leaders in Moree and Elmina on the Role of Traditional Authorities in Combating IUU Fishing. Affel, R., Takyi, M., Smith, N. 30 November 2017

    One of the activities to promote sustainable fishing is to meet with the Traditional Authorities in its project communities (Elmina and Moree) to deliberate on some of the issues pertaining to fishing and identify their roles as authorities in combating the IUU fishing which is affecting the fishing industry. On Thursday, 23rd November, CEWEFIA Team organized a meeting with Moree Traditional Authorities at 9:00 a.m. and on Tuesday, 28th November, 2017, another one was organized for the Elmina Traditional Authorities in Elmina at 10:30 a.m.

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  • Implementing Post-Harvest Value Chain Improvements In SmallScale Fisheries In Elmina, Ghana Antwi, H., Beran, K. 16 November 2017

    Fish smoking is the most widely used method for processing fish in Ghana, yet traditional fish smoking methods and techniques used to process fish lead to financial losses and health concerns. There is a need to improve fish quality relative to food safety, food security and value addition given health, economic and environmental concerns within the small-scale fishery post-harvest sector in Ghana. Post-harvest value chain improvements supported by the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project implemented in the small-scale fishery post-harvest sector in Ghana aim to improve fish hygiene and handling practices and preservation techniques through the adoption of improved fish smoking technology to produce safe, healthy fish for consumption and sale

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  • Advocacy for Responsible Fishing World Rural Women’s Day Asare, A., Adamafio N., Lydia, S., Out, N., Antwi G. 1 November 2017

    This year’s international rural women’s day was held at Mumford in the Central region. The annual celebration recognizes the invaluable role rural women play in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. As part of this year’s celebration, (USAID) through Sustainable Fisheries Management Project brought together stakeholders under the theme “Sea and Land Galamsey: The Impact on Food Security.” The objective was to highlight some of the negative effects of galamsey (or illegal mining) on the sea and on land, as well as encourage women and girls to become change agents in the fight against unsustainable practices in the fisheries sector. The event brought together over 300 rural women from different parts of Ghana, 30 dignitaries including the District Chief Executive of Gomoa West and the Chief of Mumford. The invited guest addressed the audience on the theme with a call to government to stop illegal practices on the sea.

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  • Training for New Anti‐CLaT Advocates Asare A. 1 November 2017

    The broad objective of the training is to improve the knowledge and skills of trainees in basic child labor and trafficking issues, to campaign against the issue, create awareness, educate and sensitize people about Anti-CLaT.

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  • GIS Training for Fisheries Commission Zonal Officers: A Training Report Mensah, J.C. 1 November 2017

    The main objective of the training was to provide participants with fundamental skills in GIS, Remote Sensing and GPS data collection strategies for effective fisheries data management and decision making.

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  • Hownam Dialogue – Leadership and Conflict Management Training Report, Volta Region. Tibu, G. A. and Avega, B. 1 November 2017

    This training aimed at building the capacity of fish processing groups in the Ketu-South and Keta Municipalities in: * Group dynamics * Leadership and * Conflict management

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Year 4 Work Plan: October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. Coastal Resources Center 1 October 2017

    Year 4 of SFMP comes with notable changes in some specific activities and in the overall organization of work. Competency-based training for Ghana’s Marine Police is complete. Ongoing gender-based work will be mainstreamed into other work areas of the project. Year 4 work reflects a tighter focus on the formal adoption of outstanding policies and the acceptance and implementation of fisheries management measures by stakeholders in the fisheries sector. This includes a fisheries sector closed season for both trawlers and canoes (although canoes technically are exempted from seasonal closures in the current five-year national fisheries management plan), rollout of the national co-management policy, adoption of an additional fishing holiday (non-fishing day) in all coastal regions beyond the single traditional fishing holidays already established in each region, and broader implementation of the fisheries sector national gender policy. Multi-media and multi-modality efforts will increase awareness of the state of Ghana’s inshore small pelagic fisheries stocks, the problems at the root of the current near-collapse of small pelagics populations, and actions that need to be taken to address these problems.

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  • Synthesis of Scientific and Local Knowledge on Sardinella species in Ghana. Castro, K., Skrobe, L. Asare, C. and Kankam, S. 1 October 2017

    The objective of the LEK is to discover patterns of belief that can be separated into cultural domains that can add new knowledge about Sardinella, fishing and environments. Four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted by staff from Hen Mpoano from May to July 2016 in different fishing communities: New Takoradi (Western Region), Elmina (Central Region), Tema New Town (Greater Accra Region), and Abutiakope (Volta Region). A total of 105 fishermen attended the FGDs. FGDs were held to collect initial data for the development of the survey instrument to be used for the one-on-one data collection. There was an overwhelming agreement in regards to the state of the sardinella population and 94% of respondents agreed that the population is decreasing in the waters where they fish and 88% said there was a decrease in the overall waters of Ghana.

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  • SFMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Annual Report 2017 Owusu, A. A. 30 September 2017

    Environmental Compliance is a mandatory requirement for all USAID-funded programs, to ensure project activities do not have significant impact on the environment. USAID Implementing Partners are obligated to consider throughout the life of project, environmental impacts arising from its activities. During the FY 2017 of the SFMP, All USAID environmental requirements laid down in the project Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were complied with to ensure no significant impact on the environment from activity implementation.

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  • Dialogue 2 – Follow-Up Meeting With Efutu and Gomoa West District Assemblies Development Action Association 30 September 2017

    The rate of unapproved methods of fishing at the Winneba Landing Beach is beyond control. The fishermen at the Winneba Landing Beach use unapproved means and methods of fishing. This has contributed to depletion and over exploitation of fish stock in the marine waters of Ghana. Due to prevalence of IUU Fishing in this community, a dialogue was held with Efutu Municipal Assembly and Fisheries Commission at Winneba to verify the roles and challenges which the Chief fisherman and the Assembly face in regulating fishing activities at the landing Beach of Winneba. The increase in the challenge of unapproved methods of fishing at the Winneba landing beach has created urgent attention. Consequently, a dialogue with the District Assembly and Fisheries Commission was held at the Assembly’s Conference Hall to help solve the issue. There were 16 stakeholders in this dialogue of which 9 were males and 7 were females.

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  • Annual Progress Report October 1, 2016 –September 30, 2017 Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2017

    This progress report updates project progress through Year 3 (October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017) and provides information on how partners are contributing to the achievement of project targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • COMMUNIQUE from the Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, 2017. University of Cape Coast 27 September 2017

    Scientists from Ghana’s universities and research institutions, civil society, private sector, fishermen and fishmongers, government ministries and agencies, representatives from the USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) of the University of Rhode Island, USA in all numbering 240, convened in Accra for the first Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment (CFCE), referred to as the Accra Conference 2017. Scientists and researchers made oral presentations on fifty-two (52) specific research topics and seventeen (17) posters. There were also four (4) keynote presentations delivered by key industry experts followed by panel discussions in plenary sessions. Five (5) special sessions and breakout working groups deliberated on topics such as Sustaining Fisheries & Coastal Research and Extension, Opportunities and Actions in the Post-Harvest Sector, Community-Based Fisheries Management, Child Labour and Trafficking in Ghana, Fisheries Stock Assessment and Current Status of Dwindling Food-Fish Stocks. Based on the deliberations, and considering the national importance of coastal ecosystems and fisheries to the people of Ghana, a number of specific recommendations were made.

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  • Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, 2017, Book of Abstracts. The Changing Marine Fisheries and Coasts: Challenges and Opportunities for Changing Minds. University of Cape Coast 27 September 2017

    The Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (USA) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development organised this maiden conference. This initiative is designed to strengthen policy linkages and enable researchers, journalists, and think tanks connect their voices to the sustainable fisheries and coastal development agenda of Ghana. The conference provided an opportunity for a more holistic discussion on a resource that is shared by millions of people, yet, under threat and mismanaged. The conference featured panel discussions, keynote presentations and session papers. There was also an opportunity for industry and market players to showcase their latest technologies. A communique for the conference can be found here: https://www.crc.uri.edu/download/GH2014_SCI078_UCC.pdf .

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  • Annual Stakeholder Engagements with MMDA’s Development Action Association 1 September 2017

    To create collaboration and support of Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) activities with the Municipal Assembly towards project goal, Development Action Association (DAA), an implementing partner of SFMP had an annual stakeholder engagement with MMDAs at Apam in the Central Region of Ghana. The meeting took off on the 28th Day of September 2017 at the conference hall of Gomoa West District Assembly at 9:30 am.

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  • A Planners’ Guide to Integrated Coastal Management in the Central Region of Ghana. Peter Donkor 1 September 2017

    The toolkit is intended to guide planners and other professionals in the land use sector to engage more meaningfully in the task of searching for sustainable solutions to issues faced by coastal people and ecosystems. Purposes of the Toolkit: * It is a source of coastal hazards, vulnerability and risks information for coastal land use planners and managers. * It provides coastal land use and spatial planning guidance to physical planners. * It demonstrates in a stepwise manner, the utilization of basic geospatial mapping and coastal hazards modeling tools. * It can be adapted as a training manual for physical planners and other professionals in the land use and spatial planning sector.

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  • Report On Hiring Of Consultant To Review Module Training Materials on Competency Based Training (CBT) Development Action Association. 1 September 2017

    This is as a result of the Anamoah Mensah Report on “Meeting the Challenges of Education in the Twenty-first Century” which reviewed the education system and came up with recommendations for reforms, which included Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in 2006. The Educational Report White Paper adopted as a Government policy has a number of recommendations from the Anamoah Mensah Report and also from the TVET Policy framework. Some of the major policies are as follows: * TVET courses should include the core subjects of Mathematics, Science, English, Information and Communication Technology and Entrepreneurship. 2 *Act 718, established a Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) and mandated to coordinate and oversee all aspects of TVET in the Country. * Adoption of Competency Based Training (CBT) as a mode of TVET delivery. * Establishment of skills Development Fund (SDF) to finance TVET Delivery. * Set clear standards which can be measured. * Develop competent individuals with transferable skills. * Link education and training to skills needed by employees. * Provide a system which will have the confidence of all users i.e learners, employers and educational establishment.

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  • Functional Literacy Training Report for Shama, Axim and Ankobra Kankam; M 1 September 2017

    This paper focused on training functional Literacy Training in reading, writing, numeracy and language was organized for one-hundred MSMEs selected from three coastal communities, namely Shama, Axim and Ankobra to improve upon their literacy skills. Thirty fish processors were selected from Ankobra, and thirty-five each selected from Shama and Axim.

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  • Campaign And Durbar On Improved Fish Smoking Technology And Best Hygienic Fish Handling And Advocacy Practices Awards Affel R., Smith. N. 1 September 2017

    The report is on the campaign and durbar, which was to reward resource users for most Exemplary Fish Handling, Cleanest Landing Beach and Anti Child Labor and Trafficking Advocacy Practices along Ghana’s coastal zone and for the adoption of Improved Fish Handling and Advocacy Practices. The durbar ended with rewards to participants.

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  • Ghana Fisheries Leadership Program: Training of Trainers Guide Coastal Resources Center 1 September 2017

    This training was to combine the fisheries leadership content with competencies in how to design and deliver quality adult learning programs. The vision is that key fishery leaders are using their unique attitudes and skills to guide the majority of stakeholders towards a co-management arrangement. These leaders are changing how stakeholders see the fishery system that is leading the majority to take responsibility to improve the fishery. This has resulted in improved environmental conditions, added value to the fishery and healthier livelihoods.

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  • Training of Micro-Finance Institutions on Stove Performance Indicators and Financing Scheme Kwarteng E., Benedicta A. 1 September 2017

    The overall goal of the workshop was to sensitize participating financial institutions on the importance of the Ahotor oven as the leading homegrown improved cook stove technology and on the modalities for operationalizing the stove financing model, so as to prepare them (financial institutions) towards the promotion of the Ahotor oven.

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  • Initiating governance mechanisms with Shama District on Pra Resilience Planning process Friends of the Nation 1 September 2017

    The paper focused on meetings which provided the platform to brief the district level stakeholders about the progress of the Pra fisheries co-management pilot process. The following stakeholder institutions were engaged; the Shama District Assembly, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Fisheries Commission, Traditional Leaders NADMO, the Pra Community leaders, etc.

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  • Microbiological (PAHs) Analysis Of Fish From Selected Areas From Central And Western Regions Of Ghana Aheto, D. W., Adinortey, C. A., Essumang, D. K., Adjei, J. & Ahadzi, E. Kwarteng E. Avega B. 1 September 2017

    This study was to To provide scientific evidence on smoked fish production to guide the promotion of improved processing methods, product quality, packaging, labeling and marketing to significantly increase the value of smoke/dried fish products and shelf life, allowing better penetration to domestic markets, where demand is strong, as well as to neighboring countries. Investigate into microbiological profiles of smoked and salted fish from popular sales points and markets in Ghana.

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  • National Association Executives consensus building Workshops for implementation of the National Fisheries Management Plan Friends of the Nation 1 September 2017

    Fish has always had far-reaching implications for food security in Ghana. Fish supplies naturally augment food availability and ensure good nutritional outcomes particularly for the poor and rural populations of the country. The vast number of people engaged in the fishing industry earn incomes that improve upon their access to food. The workshops were organized against the backdrop of ensuring all-inclusive fisheries management and governance regime. The main objective of the workshops was to solicit feedback from participants on the impacts of the NFMP implementation so far; and the way forward.

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  • Focus Group Discussion on Child Labor and Trafficking with Churches, School PTAs and Mosques Development Action Association 1 September 2017

    In combating CLaT issues along the coastal belt of Ghana and especially in the Central region, DAA found the need to train anti-CLaT advocates in Winneba, Apam and Mumford to help create awareness and educate the communities on the impact of CLaT on victims and the society. The sensitization, awareness creation and education were carried out by community anti-CLaT advocates in the form of focus group discussion at school PTAs, Churches and Mosques.

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  • Assessment of the Feasibility of Producing Healthy Fish for the Ghanaian Market Kwarteng, E. 1 September 2017

    The research intended to provide insights into the financial and technical feasibility of producing healthy fish for the Ghanaian market by: * Identifying available market for healthy fish. * Determining the percentage of fish processors, traders and consumers who were aware of the implications of smoked fish. * Identifying what clients, consider when purchasing smoked fish. * Identifying the factors necessary for the production of a healthy smoked fish. * Determining the percentage of fish processors who are willing to change ways of processing fish to make it healthier. * Identifying some push factors and conditions that would be considered by fish processors before producing healthy fish. * Determining the percentage of consumers who are willing to pay more for healthy smoked fish.

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  • Strengthening the Prosecutorial Chain Working Meetings Friends of the Nation 1 September 2017

    Friends of the Nation under SFMP, organized a two-day fisheries prosecution workshop in Accra on August 30 and 31 2017. Before this workshop, a pre-workshop agenda discussions were held with invitees. They agreed that the Fisheries Out-of-Court Settlement Procedures and Processes should be discussed to address increasing weaknesses and concerns from stakeholders.

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  • Radio Campaign on Child Labor and Trafficking Friends of the Nation 1 September 2017

    As part of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID-SFMP) anti-Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) program in the Central Region of Ghana, Friends of the Nation (FoN) organized a series of ten (10) radio advocacy outreach programs between October 2016 and September 2017 aimed at • Increasing public awareness on issues (reasons and implications) of the problem, • Contributing to making the issue socially unacceptable,• Improving public awareness on the works of government agencies in local and national efforts to combat CLaT, especially as it affects the fishing industry; and also Human Trafficking activities in the country.

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  • Assessment of the Feasibility of Producing Healthy Fish for the Ghanaian Market E. Kwarteng;A. Nsiah;G. Tibu;H. Etsra 1 September 2017

    The research intended to provide insights into the financial and technical feasibility of producing healthy fish for the Ghanaian market by: Identifying available market for healthy fish. Determining the percentage of fish processors, traders and consumers who were aware of the implications of smoked fish. Identifying what clients, consider when purchasing smoked fish. Identifying the factors necessary for the production of a healthy smoked fish. Determining the percentage of fish processors who are willing to change ways of processing fish to make it healthier. Identifying some push factors and conditions that would be considered by fish processors before producing healthy fish. Determining the percentage of consumers who are willing to pay more for healthy smoked fish.

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  • Communication on Child Labor and Trafficking Report on Press Engagement Friends of the Nation 1 September 2017

    To contribute to address the issue, FoN and partners under the SFMP project, rolled out a behavior change communication campaign and worked with stakeholders to build local community networks of advocates, including strengthened capacity of local government agencies and media on addressing Child Labour and Trafficking (CLaT) issues in the Central region.

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  • FWG workshop on NFMP and Co-Management Implementation K.K. Yamoah 1 September 2017

    The purpose of the co-management policy document therefore, is to lay out a road map for Ghana’s fisheries management that transitions from a more top-down consultative management framework to an approach that will transition into a system that allows some or full delegation of authority to resource users and other stakeholders in the decision making processes.

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  • Prosecutorial Tracking Western and Eastern Command 2017 Yamoah, K.K. 1 September 2017

    This report provides an analysis of fisheries arrests and prosecution cases in Ghana from the year 2014 to 2015. The report also analyses the common infractions committed by fishing vessels including industrial, semi-industrial and artisanal canoes. The data analyzed in this report was obtained from the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) from both Western and Eastern Command. This report provides deeper analysis with data from both the Western and Eastern command, in addition new fields that were not available in the 2015 baseline report have been analyzed, including observer reports and infractions beyond Ghana Waters.

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  • Support for Annual Durbar Asare, C. 1 September 2017

    The objectives of the annual durbar support by the project were to: * Create awareness on the Ankobra CBFM. * Inform the chiefs and people of the community of the CBFM progress. * Build the committee members confidence in articulating the CBFM goals and process. * Solicit public and district support for the CBFM process * Solicit ideas for the CBFM plan and implementation process.

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  • Refresher Training Report for Anti-Clat Advocate and Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) Takyi, M. 1 September 2017

    The aim of the training was to develop their Child Protection Approaches and to discuss the achievements of the anti-CLaT advocates and the CCPC members in their respective communities.

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  • CEWEFIA Exchange Visit With DAA To DAASGIFT Quality Foundation Victoria, C.K 1 August 2017

    The objective of this paper was to discuss and plan for the next exchange visit and to visit the women groups in DAASGIFT operational communities. The Executive Director of Daasgift confirmed the information that she would no longer partake in the project but promised her continual support to the other two organizations in carrying out project activities. She also promised to organize her women groups for any activities that DAA and CEWEFIA may want to involve them in.

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  • National CSOS and Fisheries Alliance Engagement Meetings for Implementation of the National Fisheries Management Plan. Johnson, K., Yamoah, K.K., 1 August 2017

    A two-day National CSOs and Fisheries Alliance meeting was organized to share and discuss the content of the NFMP with the CSOs to improve their understanding and promote their participation and support for the implementation of the NFMP. The key output of this meeting was the development of an action plan that outlined key interventions areas where CSOs and the media would undertake to support the implementation of the NFMP. The action plan was also developed with the view to promote CSOs active participation in Ghana’s fisheries sector.

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  • Community Champions/Advocates Orientation Guide on Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) Development Action Association 1 August 2017

    Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) is a sensitive issue which deprives children of their rights and basic opportunities such as free compulsory basic education. Some of these children are enslaved and exploited in various forms that cause significant harm to them, their families and society. This child labor and trafficking orientation guide is based on the request of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) to strengthen community champions to advocate for the prevention of worst forms of child labor and trafficking

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  • Trainer Of Trainers (TOT) Course For Marine Police and Fisheries Enforcement Unit Supervisors Friends of the Nation 1 August 2017

    FoN in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drug Control, (UNODC) conducted an 8-day training Trainer of Trainers (ToT) course to equip 26 Marine Police personnel. The main objective of the Trainer of Trainers (ToT) workshop was to equip participants with key Knowledge, skills and Attitude (KSA) in fisheries enforcement and maritime security so that the trainees could facilitate knowledge transfer to new recruits and other police personnel.

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  • Training on Basic Advocacy in Fisheries Management and Conflict Management Asare, C. 1 August 2017

    Hen Mpoano organized a 2-day training from 22nd to 23rd August, 2017 on advocacy in fisheries management and a 1-day conflict management training on 24 August, 2017, for the CBFM committee members. The advocacy in fisheries and conflict management training workshops were organized in Fante/Twi language for the benefit of the participants with limited working knowledge of the English language.

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  • Regional Discussions on the NFMP Through FWG Friends of the Nation 1 August 2017

    These meetings created the platform for the participants to discuss and outline key responsibilities of stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the NFMP within the respective regions. All relevant stakeholders (including FC, District Assemblies, religious leaders and the local police) in the respective regions were involved in the meetings.

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  • Training on Basic Advocacy in Fisheries Management and Conflict Management Asare, C. 1 August 2017

    Hen Mpoano organized a 2-day workshop on 22nd and 23rd August, 2017 and a 1-day workshop on 24 August, 2017 in Fante/Twi on advocacy in fisheries management and conflict management respectively for the management committee members. It is anticipated that the committee should be able to lead actions developed in the management plan and also advocate for support at the district assembly.

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  • Competence-based Self-Assessment of Ghana Marine Police Field Officers for Fisheries Law Enforcement. Coastal Resources Center 1 August 2017

    The Ghana Marine Police Unit (MPU) is a subunit of the Police Force, with the special mandate to enforce marine and fisheries related laws. The MPU, along with the Ghana Navy, conducts joint activities with the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) organized by the Fisheries Commission (FC). To ensure consistency and effectiveness between these three agencies, there needs to be adequate competence and professionalism shared by all actors. Achieving these high standards across the entire MPU have been a work in progress and thus open to innovations. This self-assessment tool based on MPU’s competencies is part of a larger organizational development program that will ensure the MPU has the capacity to support fisheries law enforcement efforts.

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  • Radio sensitization and education on Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Development Action Association 1 August 2017

    The rate of unapproved methods of fishing in some parts of the landing beaches in Ghana is beyond control. The fishermen at the Winneba and Apam landing beaches use unapproved means and methods of fishing. This has contributed to depletion and over exploitation of fish stock in the marine waters of Ghana. Due to the prevalence of IUU Fishing in Ghana, the Fisheries Management Plan of Ghana was introduced as a National Policy for the management of the marine fisheries sector. The implemental and operational period of the plan was from 2015 to 2019. For the public to be aware and know the state of fishing in the country, the Development Action Association under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project had public sensitization and awareness creation on the Management plan in the form of radio discussion.

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  • Radio Sensitization and Education Program on Fisheries Management Plan in Apam & Winneba Development Action Association 1 August 2017

    Objectives of Radio Discussion * To sensitize fisher folks on the state of fishing in Ghana * To raise awareness on the negative effects of illegal fishing in Ghana * To strengthen participatory decision making in fisheries management

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  • Status of the small pelagic stocks in Ghana – 2016. Scientific and Technical Working Group. Lazar, N., Yankson K., Blay, J., Ofori-Danson, P., Markwei, P., Agbogah, K., Bannerman, P., Sotor, M., Yamoah, K. K., Bilisini, W. B. 1 July 2017

    This report provides an update of the status of the small pelagic fish stocks in Ghana through 2016. This assessment establishes new biological and management indicators or reference points for the purpose of monitoring the status of the stock with impact of fisheries management actions. However, the STWG recommends maintaining the initial biological references points on biomass (B) and fishing mortality rates (F) estimated in 2015. The trends of declining fish stocks continue to be a major concern for fisheries stakeholders in Ghana. The rapid development of coastal pelagic fisheries over the past four decades is at the center of this decline. The biomass of many small pelagic stocks has drastically fallen at alarming rates due primarily to overfishing and overcapacity.

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  • DAA Exchange Visits with Anti‐CLaT NGOs in Apam and Winneba Development Action Association 1 July 2017

    The prevalence of child labor and trafficking along the coastal communities in Ghana, and especially in the Central region has made it necessary for the Development Action Association (DAA) under the SFMP to train Community Anti-CLaT Advocates to advocate against Child Labor and Trafficking. The Anti-CLaT Community advocates from Apam, Mumford and Winneba organized a Study Tour to the Rehabilitation Centre of Challenging Height on 22nd of July, 2017. The study tour equipped the Community Anti-CLaT Advocates with behavioral characters of some Victims of Child Labor and Trafficking.

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  • Sensitization on Fisheries Management Plan with Fisher Folks and Fisheries Commission in Apam and Winneba Development Action Association 1 July 2017

    To help rebuild the fish stocks to enhance the socio-economic status of fishing communities in the country, Development Action Association (DAA) under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) had sensitized over 350 people along the Landing Beaches of Winneba and Apam through Workshop training on the Fisheries Management Plan of Ghana. The sensitization workshop was extended to Worabeba Landing Beach on 18th July 2017 to educate fisher folks on the contents of the Fisheries Management Plan, and the state of the Fishing industry in Ghana. The workshop training on the Fisheries Management Plan sensitized 256 fisher folks of whom about 90% were processors.

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  • Status of the small pelagic stocks in Ghana (2015) Lazar, N, Yankson K, Blay J., Ofori-Danson P., Markwei P., Agbogah K., Bannerman P., Sotor M., Yamoa K. K., Bilisini W. B. 1 July 2017

    This document is aimed at providing the status of the small pelagic fish resources in Ghana, through consultation with the Scientific and Technical Working Group (STWG) of the USAID/Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The information contained in this document has been obtained from the Fisheries Scientific and Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana and other available information. The current fishing effort seems to be well beyond the level of sustainability for the small pelagic stocks. In the absence of effort control measures, stocks will continue to decline with diminishing economic returns leading to further deterioration of social conditions. The Fisheries Commission began addressing this situation with the support of the World Bank by registering small artisanal canoes. The semi-industrial and the industrial fishing vessels have been subject to an annual registration and licensing requirements. Furthermore, it is expected that the canoe registration will be followed by a program of licensing and ultimately an implementation of effort control program in the artisanal fishery.

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  • Advanced Training in the Application of GIS using practical field work in the preparation of the ICM Toolkit Spatial Solutions and Hen Mpoano 1 July 2017

    The main objective of the training was to provide participants with advanced skills in GIS, Remote Sensing and GPS data collection strategies for the effective planning and decision making relative to the management of coastal resources.

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  • Report On Elmina Bakatue Celebration Antwi, H. 1 July 2017

    Thousands of fisher folks from Elmina and its environs gathered at the forecourt of the Elmina castle to witness and partake in the festive event. In attendance were the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Central Regional Minister, Members of Parliament, representatives from Fisheries Commission, Municipal and District Assembly, Paramount and Sub-Chiefs from within and outside Elmina as well as Chiefs from neighboring countries including Togo.

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  • SFMP Progress Report April 1 to June 30, 2017. Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2017

    This progress report details the activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Year 3 (April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.

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  • Dialogue 1- Post World Rural Women’s Day Follow-up Meeting with District Assemblies and Fisheries Commission Development Action Association 30 June 2017

    On 15th June 2017, there was dialogue between fisher folks and District Assemblies of Efutu Municipal and Gomoa West; and Fisheries Commission of both Landing Beaches to address the prevalence of IUU and District Bye-laws regulating fishing and fish processing activities in the Central Region of Ghana, especially Apam and Winneba. The weak enforcement and noncompliance had led to gradual decrease in fish stock within Ghana’s marine waters due to increased fishing effort. The resource users as well as stakeholders, law enforcement and bye-law regulating bodies were brought to a venue to dialogue and come out with lasting solutions to solve the issue of IUU and noncompliance of Fisheries law in the country.

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  • Report On Year 3 Fourth Quarter Post Harvest Coordinating Meeting JUNE Smith, N. 1 June 2017

    The objective of this report is to To identify areas that need more work and collaboration to share ideas and experiences that will bring innovations to improve the food value chain. CEWEFIA attended the last Quarter Meeting on 29th June, 2017 at SNV Conference Room in Accra. The Partners present at the meeting were SFMP, SNV, DAA, CEWEFIA and NAFPTA. The main agenda was on two issues: presentation of Year 3 activities of each implementing partner, challenges faced in implementing the activities; as well as planned activities for Year 4. Activities could be continued and the ones that needed to be dropped to make way for more impacts.

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  • Five Demonstration Activities on Stove use and Safety Management Kankam, M. 1 June 2017

    This reports objectives are to introduce the AHOTOR Oven to fish processors and the general public, demonstrate to fish processors and the general public on the use, benefits and features of the AHOTOR Oven, and to conduct a comparative test to assess the performance and efficiency of the new technology. The expected outcome of this report are for participants to fully understand how to use the AHOTOR Oven for smoking and to understand the financing model for the acquisition the Oven.

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  • Report On Training on Use and Maintenance of the Ahotor Stove Opari-Addor, J. 1 June 2017

    This report was to ensure that MSMEs acquire enough knowledge about the use and maintenance of the stove, give information on the Ahotor stove, and to get feedback from the MSMEs on using the stove. CEWEFIA has been promoting it in the four target communities and beyond. The financing mode of the stove selected has also proved effective since some of them are already saving with banks. MSMEs (109) have registered with Akatakyiman bank for the stove and the need was felt to further train them to enable them own their stoves.

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  • Report on Biannual Stakeholder Meetings Daasgift 1 June 2017

    This report was to discuss and address Sanitation Issues at landing sites, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fisheries (IUU), familiarization of Fisheries management plan, Gender mainstreaming and brief Participants on the status of DQF trained MSMEs. There were requests by stakeholders in Year Two of SFMP, for the establishment of common platform for briefing on the activities and status of DQF trained MSMEs. It was for this reason that DQF organized the Biannual Stakeholder Meetings/ Dialogues in year three.

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  • Performance Evaluation Survey-Ahotor oven Avega, B., Tibu, G. A. 1 June 2017

    This report works with SNV in August and September 2016 constructed 12 demonstrations, Ahotor ovens and an additional 20 Ahotor ovens for under-privileged women who cannot afford the ovens; 1 stove was also purchased. These ovens were constructed in Elmina, Apam, Winneba, Mumford, Moree in the Central Region, Anlo Beach, Takoradi and Sekondi in the Western Region. SNV in January 2017 conducted an evaluation of the performance of the oven and beneficiary satisfaction with the use of the oven. 30 Ahotor oven hosts were interviewed during the process. The additional 2 stoves were stationed at the Cewefia processing shed as demonstration units. A questionnaire was used for the interview.

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  • Model Improved Fishing Smoking Stove Exhibition – Production of Model Stoves Development Action Association 1 June 2017

    The objectives of the DAA Fisheries Training Center are to improve upon the livelihood of fish processors and also produce healthy fish and fish products into the market, it was decided to build an improved fish smoking stove at the center which will be used for training purposes; in order to improve the knowledge on the improved smoking stoves and benefits thereof. The initial plan was to make miniatures of the stoves for the center but for training purposes it was decided that the single unit Morrison stove at the center be retrofitted to Ahotor oven since there was not enough space at the interim center.

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  • Woodlot Committee Meeting Report Opari-Addor, J., Takyi, M. 1 June 2017

    The cassia plantation in Anlo, Shama District has seen much success from the start of the project to date; from land acquisition, seedling buying, land clearing and planting. This activity which falls under IR 4.2.2 work with women and youth in Anlo to manage woodlot plantation is a direct activity to ensure that fish is protected by protecting the mangrove (ecosystem of Anlo) thereby relating to the main project goal of rebuilding marine fishery stocks since the mangrove is spawning ground for some fish species.

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  • Field Trip To Model Processing Businesses At Ankobra Development Action Association 1 June 2017

    Fish processing is the main source of livelihood for many women along the coast of Ghana. These women battle to processe quality and hygienic fish to meet both local and international standards. To help fish processors from Winneba, Apam and Mumford to upgrade their processing sites and learn from model processors, DAA organized a study tour for 30 SMEs from Apam, Winneba and Mumford to a model fish processing site at Ankobra in the Western Region. The study tour was organized on 30th June, 2017 through the support and sponsorship of USAID, under the SFMP. There was knowledge gain from the study tour where the processors learned modern ways of processing; and also exchanged skills and experiences.

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  • Monitoring of CLaT Activity Report in Elmina and Moree M. Takyi 1 June 2017

    The Central and Western Regional Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA) as part of its monitoring activities visited two hundred and forty five (245) households in Moree and Elmina, to evaluate the activities of the Anti-CLaT Advocates and Community Child Protection Committees. Child Labor and Trafficking is prevalent in Elmina and Moree in the Central Region of Ghana As a result, CEWEFIA has established a Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs) and Anti- CLaT Advocates in these communities as part of efforts to reduce CLaT. These Committees use advocacy; community sensitization, awareness creation on radio and at information centers, to engage the community. To measure the progress and impact of their activities in achieving SFMP’s objectives, a monitoring survey was conducted on 28th June, 2017- 3rd July, 2017 in Elmina and Moree Communities.

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  • Monitoring Of CLaT Activity Report Takyi M. 1 June 2017

    Every quarter, CCPCs and advocates are called for refresher training to upgrade their skills on child protection. All these where done to make the communities aware of the dangers of CLaT and collectively come out with a lasting solution to the problem.

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  • 2017 Annual Forum with the Fisheries Minister Ayesua N., Asare A. 23 May 2017

    The annual forum with the Fisheries Minister is part of an advocacy platform instituted by Development Action Association to interact with policy makers in order to ascertain first-hand information on the laws and regulations regarding fisheries in Ghana and the international community. For this year’s (2017) 4th forum, participants were drawn from the Greater Accra, Central and Western regions, Development Action Association (DAA), Central and Western Region Fisheries Improvement Association (CEWEFIA) and DAASGIFT Quality Foundation (DQF)

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  • Stakeholder Participation and Social Network Baseline and Year 2 Report Asare, M., Corvese, C., Long, N., Odjidja, E., Robadue, D., Wallace, K. 1 May 2017

    This report draws upon the event participation and contact information to trace the growth of stakeholder engagement related to SFMP activities. In addition to the cumulative number of individuals and encounters, the data has been analyzed to determine how many new individuals—men and women—are becoming involved over time. In addition, we explore whether it is possible to document shifts over time in the levels of engagement of women in policy-related events compared to livelihood related training and meetings, to see if elements of success in implementing the SFMP gender strategy for increasing women’s engagement in policy can be detected. Finally, we utilize approaches employed in social network analysis to draw additional insights out of this routine information in terms of actors who are more central or well-placed to foster or block information exchange. Some results of this exercise are also presented.

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  • Training Of MSMES In Fish Processing Business Development In Volta Region Etsra, H., Kwarteng, E. 1 May 2017

    The objectives of the training program was to increase participants’ knowledge on business records keeping and profit calculation, increase participants’ understanding of the benefits of savings and encourage them to practice it, increase participants’ interest in the benefits and use of Dzidedi oven and strengthen existing groups and adopt them into NAFPTA.

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  • Training On Gender Fisheries Policy Report Opari-Addo .J, Takyi M. 1 May 2017

    This report is about how women and men work together in the fishery value chain to ensure coherent supply of fish all year round. In carrying out their gender roles these actors either positively or negatively impact each other’s work. This training therefore sought to clarify the various gender roles played by men and women in the fisheries value chain. Also the training was carried out to create understanding about the roles and how the negative impacts can be dealt with. Gender training's are held to help fisher folk discuss pertinent issues hampering their progress as men and women working together to develop the fishery sector; and preserve other activities in the value chain as well as find ways to ensure that everyone benefits from the current state of dwindling fish stocks in order to maintain their livelihoods. Women can do more things given the right resources and it is hoped that their participation would enable them engage in decision making and also advocate for change in illegal, unregulated and reported fishing practices. The training was held from 17th to 18th May 2017 in the four target communities respectively.

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  • Exchange visits to Oyster Growing Area Development Action Association 1 May 2017

    The objectives of this visit were to learn possible measures the Ada clam farmers have put in place towards management of the clams, to learn how close seasons have helped in managing the clams and to give in-depth knowledge on training received on oyster biology, ecology and management. The visit which was embarked on by 30 oyster pickers included other stakeholders like the secretary Sakumo-We (Sakumo family) who are the custodians/owners of the Densu resource in Bortianor, a representative from Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD). The trip was embarked on 24th May, 2017.

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  • 2017 Annual Forum with the Fisheries Minister Ayesua N., Asare A. 1 May 2017

    The annual forum with the Fisheries Minister is part of an advocacy platform instituted by Development Action Association to interact with policy makers in order to ascertain first-hand information on the laws and regulations regarding fisheries in Ghana and the international community. For this year’s 4th forum, participants were drawn from the Greater Accra, Central and Western regions, Development Action Association (DAA), Central and Western Region Fisheries Improvement Association (CEWEFIA) and DAASGIFT Quality Foundation (DQF). A communique outlining the successes and challenges of fish processors, solutions to ensure responsible fishing, and fish processing in the country was read on behalf of the group by Sister-Hope Asmah; and then presented to the Minister. The Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Aforley Quaye was very pleased to meet the fish processors and appreciated the hard work done by the three organizations to support sustainable fisheries in Ghana.

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  • Field Trip To The Monitoring, Control And Surveillance Unit Of The Fisheries Commission, Tema Development Action Association. 1 May 2017

    The objective is to understand the monitoring systems undertaken by the Fisheries Commission in implementation of the fisheries laws. *The study tour was undertaken upon request of the participants during the two-day training on the fisheries laws.

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  • Refresher Training for New Anti‐ CLaT Advocates, 2017 Development Action Association 1 May 2017

    The Development Action Association (DAA), one of the local implementing partners under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project with sponsorship from USAID, trained some individuals in selected fishing communities in Apam, Mumford and Winneba on child labor and trafficking issues. The training program aimed to equip the women and men in selected communities and strengthen them to be Community anti-CLaT Advocates or Champions who will educate, sensitize and create awareness on CLaT.

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  • GITA-UCC-SFMP-HM-FC Collaborative Research for Improved Cuttlefish Management Progress Report. Somers, B., Hatzipetro, M., Okyere, I., Sakyi-Djan, P., Takyi, R., Ekow Bossman, I. 1 May 2017

    To pilot the feasibility of such science-industry driven research in Ghana, GITA proposed to collaborate with Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences-University of Cape Coast (DFAS-UCC) to undertake a study on the breeding and migratory patterns of cuttlefish in Ghana’s waters, to inform how the stocks could be sustainably exploited without endangering breeding and recruitment processes of the cuttlefish population. Ultimately, this research feeds into the Government of Ghana’s objective of improving information on fisheries biology and stock assessment to support stocks rebuilding and harvest strategies in the “Fisheries Management Plan for Ghana, 2015 – 2019”. The study involves other collaborators including The Fisheries Commission (FC) and Hen Mpoano (HM) a local NGO. It has been partially funded by GITA and by the USAID-SFMP and USAID-UCC fisheries projects as shown in the partnership framework. The collaborative research focuses on investigating the migration or movement and breeding activities of cuttlefish in the inshore waters of the Central Region of Ghana

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  • Training On Gender Fisheries Policy Report Opari-Addo .J and Takyi M. 1 May 2017

    The Objectives of training was; * To be able to define the gender concept * To explain gender dimension of fisheries issues * Identify driving and restraining forces to gender equity in the fishery sector

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  • Hownam Dialogue Report Leadership and Conflict Management Adeborna, D. 1 April 2017

    The key objective of the hownam dialogue in year three is to increase participants’ understanding of group conflict and group conflict management. In doing this, the dialogue aims to highlight the importance of group dynamics and conflict management by using practical examples and group exercises. This report therefore aims to highlight the key areas of the dialogue in Apam and the relevant results achieved.

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  • Business Development Training for MSMES in Moree, Elmina, and Anlo CEWEFIA 1 April 2017

    The broad objective of the training is to improve the knowledge and skills of trainees in basic business management and practice in order to promote growth through the provision of effective training

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  • Community Action Plan on Child Labor and Trafficking in Moree M. Takyi 1 April 2017

    Anti-CLaT Advocates and CCPC were trained on the preparation of the Action Plan as well as the template for the preparation of the Action Plan in collaboration with SNV. The problems in the community were identified and subsequently ranked from the major to the minor. The actions and interventions to address the identified problems were also outlined together with the persons responsible for each action and the stipulated date for the implementation of each action. Persons responsible for monitoring the implementation of each action were also stated.

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  • Training Report on the Inclusion of Women in Fisheries Decision Making Process Owusu Aduomih, A. 1 April 2017

    As part of SFMP’s effort to increase women participation in the fisheries co-management decision-making process, the capacity of women within the fisheries sector is being built to take leadership roles and be much involved in the fisheries management decision-making process. SFMP is also committed to the general improvement of the livelihood and well-being of these women. In order to measure the impact of gender interventions under the SFMP Project, a baseline survey was conducted to outline the current leadership roles played by men and women in the management of fishery resources. Some of the recommendations, based on the findings of the survey, were to advocate for at least 40% of women to be involved in fisheries decision-making process while encouraging them to take up leadership roles in the management of the sector. This workshop therefore sought to validate the findings of the survey and to solicit buy-in for the active involvement and inclusion of women in fisheries-related groups and associations as indicated in the recommendation.

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  • Oyster Ecology and Biology Training Development Action Association 1 April 2017

    The members’ enthusiasm was shortly followed with a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) which was led by consultants from Gambia Try Oyster Women to help understand how these oyster pickers go about the oyster farming and to help tease out the possible measures to be used for the resource management. In order to help the oyster pickers acquire in-depth knowledge and be committed to issues of managing the oyster resources, training on Oyster Biology and Ecology was given members of the group. The training was conducted in groups, with a total number of 150 trainees as the target. The training started from 4th April to 3rd May with 5 different groups; each group consisting of 30 members trained for 2 days. The training was successful as a result of feedback from the participants of the various groups.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. January 1 To March 31, 2017 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2017

    This progress report details the activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Year 3 (January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.

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  • Technical training in Hygienic Fish Handling, Packaging and Branding, Fire and Safety for 200 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Swanzy, S., Kankam, M 1 March 2017

    Active Fire Precautionary measures were very poor in the communities of Axim, Shama and Ankobra causing a lot of fire outbreaks of which most of the vulnerable were fish processors. Some businesses collapsed due to fire outbreak. Therefore an intervention was organized in the form of theoretical and practical training by Daasgift.

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  • Business development training for 100 new Micro Small Medium Enterprises Swanzy, S., Kankam, M. 1 March 2017

    The lack of business development and management skills among majority of fish processors to expand their businesses and also create an alternative livelihood is an important concern that can be addressed by business management training. The general objective of the program was to provide business development and management training by educating fish processors to mobilize their own resources through savings and credit activities with a view to improving the socio-economic conditions of the community, their business, community members and creating alternative livelihood.

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  • Business Skills Services Training Development Action Association 1 March 2017

    Apart from fishing from the sea, which is predominantly a male activity, all other fishing related businesses are mostly undertaken by women. These women in their daily business activities continue to battle with proper record keeping and costing all inputs in their processing sector. Due to improper record keeping coupled with poor costing of processing inputs it had led to low income and low profit margins of most processors in the country. The situation had made standard of living in the fishing Communities very poor and the children are those that suffer since they go through child labor and trafficking due the hardship of the parents/guardians. In view of the above, DAA under the SFMP trained one hundred and fifty (150) SMEs on business skills advocacy training.

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  • Manual on Improved Post-Harvest Processing of Fish Development Action Association and Asare, A. 1 March 2017

    The purpose of this manual is to enable students to define fisheries terms, list the types of fish in Ghana and where they can be found, describe types of fisheries in Ghana, and to acquire the requisite skills, knowledge and attitude to establish a viable fisheries business.

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  • Community communication durbars and drama Performances on CLaT in C/R Friends of the Nation 1 March 2017

    FoN carried out a series of community communication durbars and drama performances on CLaT in 13 communities in the Central Region aimed at sensitizing the communities on the implications of the illegality on individuals, families, communities and the nation; sharing information on enforcement agencies (roles and activities); sharing information on Districts authorities’ (child-centered programs, social intervention initiatives that can help in mitigating CLaT).

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  • Production of Market Survey Development Action Association and Asare A. 1 March 2017

    The main objective of this study is to explore the capacity of DAA Fisheries Training Center (DFTC) to produce and supply various forms of fish to local and formal markets in Ghana under healthy and hygienic conditions. The market survey seeks to: • Determine consumer preference for different kind of fish in Ghana. • Determine consumers’ consumption patterns in relation to volume and frequency. • Identify the key potential fish sales outlets and develop a supply chain. • Determine which fish species are preferred by the market.

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  • Initial Visits and Production of Market Survey Development Action Association. 1 March 2017

    The purpose of the visits to fish markets was to observe some of the best fish processing and packaging technologies available to inform the planning at the DFTC.

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  • Needs Assessment and Screening/ Training Development Action Association. 2 February 2017

    The objective of this needs assessment is to ensure that: *The drying racks more targeted to the specific needs of the beneficiaries in the value chain, in terms of type, size, etc. *To identify knowledge and skill gaps of the processors on the use of the racks

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  • Profiling of Oyster Fisheries Report Abraham Asare 1 February 2017

    The successes of TRY Oyster Group, a peer woman-based organization in the Gambia with similar missions that have developed successful community-based strategies for sustainable fisheries management and value chain improvements led to the realization of similar possible management practices for the oyster fishery in the Densu delta. * The Densu Delta was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1992, recognizing it as a protected wetland of international importance under the International Convention on Wetlands. *A management plan for the Delta was developed in 1999, but did not make reference to oyster harvesting activities. * Shellfish, and particularly oysters, are valuable food for human health which contains about 80% water, 17.2% protein, vitamins such as A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C etc., as well as minerals that satisfy human nutritional needs.

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  • Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) of the Densu Estuary Oyster Harvesting, Bortianor/Tsokomey, Greater Accra Region, Ghana Janha, F., Ashcroft, M., & Mensah, J. 1 February 2017

    This report is a synthesis of the results of a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) commissioned by the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), in partnership with Development Action Association (DAA) and the women fisher folk at Tsokomey in the Bortianor municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The purpose of the PRA was to assess prospects for development of a community based management plan for oyster harvesting as a sustainable livelihood and food security venture in the Densu River estuary. The Densu Delta was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1992, recognizing it as a protected wetland of international importance under the International Convention on Wetlands. A management plan for the Delta was developed in 1999, but did not make reference to oyster harvesting activities.

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  • Training Report on Anti-CLaT Strategies, Referral Process and Community Action Planning Adeborna D. 1 February 2017

    The key outcomes of this workshop was to develop the capacity of the participants on anti-CLaT strategies, as published in the anti-CLaT policy in fisheries Strategy developed under the SFMP in 2016. Also, participants were trained on the use of the systematic referral mechanisms and protocols developed under the Child Protection Compacts. (IOM, 2016). Finally, the training workshop sought to train participants on the development of Community Action Plans (CAPs).

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  • Training Report on Gender Mainstreaming Strategy training for Zonal Fisheries officers Mensah-Kutin R, Akakpo P. Avega B. 1 February 2017

    This report was to increase the knowledge of Zonal fisheries officers on how to mainstream gender in their day to day work and to train Fisheries Zonal officers on the new Gender Mainstreaming strategy. The training was conducted by Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin and Ms. Patricia Blankson Akakpo, the consultants working with MOFAD, FC and SNV on the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (GMS) for the fisheries sector in Ghana.

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  • Leadership Skills Training Fiatui, G. 1 February 2017

    This training program is to equip the leaders in the various groups within communities in leadership skills. In collaboration with the Central Region Development Commission (CEDECOM), CEWEFIA organized a two-day workshop at the Oguaa Teachers Credit Union Hall in Cape Coast, to build and strengthen the existing capacities of the leaders in the various groups.

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  • Training in Numeracy and Book Keeping Development Action Association 1 February 2017

    Needs assessment conducted in six fishing communities for SMEs namely Kokrobite, Nyanyanor, Oshiyie, Chorkor, Tsokomey and Bortianor revealed that people engaged in the fishing enterprise seldom kept records of their business. As a result, a business skills training was organized for sixty small and medium fishing enterprises for two days at the Interim Fisheries Training Centre at Tsokomey on 16th - 17th and 21st - 22nd February, 2017 for fishermen and fish processors respectively.

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  • Technical Assistance Consultancy Report, TRY Oyster Women’s Association Janha, F., Ashcroft, M. 1 February 2017

    The objectives of this consultancy by the TRY Oyster Women’s Association, were to further develop the enabling environment for and capacity of CSOs representing small scale actors in the fisheries value chain (especially women) to take a leadership role in sustainable fisheries management in Ghana. It also was to help in the demonstrate an applied case of community-based fisheries management planning in Ghana led by women. It provided follow up with Ghanaian women-led and oriented membership CSOs in the fisheries sector (CEWEFIA, DAA, DQF, NAFPTA) and Fisheries Commission Post Harvest Unit and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) to implement lessons learned from the FY16 Regional Gambia and Senegal Study Tour. Finally, the consultancy supported DAA to lead development of a Community-based Fishery Management Plan for the oyster fishery in the village of Tsokomey where oysters are harvested from the estuary/mouth of the Densu River as an alternative livelihood.

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  • Training Needs Assessment Development Action Association 1 February 2017

    Development Action Association selected some members of the various groups it deals with to serve as community liaison officers in Apam, Winneba and Mumford in the Central Region to strengthen and facilitate smooth implementation of community activities under the work plan. DAA organized a one-day training to build the capacity of these selected officers.

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  • Refresher Training for Community Liason Officers in Apam and Winneba Development Action Association. 1 February 2017

    The main objective(s) of the training was to; *Strengthen the capacity of selected community liaison officers * Build support for the various community fish association groups through close collaboration with DAA * Enhance the knowledge of the community liaison officers on DAA and the SFMP

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  • Construction and Material Support For Processors Development Action Association. 1 February 2017

    The DFTC was built with funding from USAID under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The objective of the training Centre is to reduce the inefficiencies in the fish value chain through the training of fish processors on the production and trade of quality fish in Ghana.

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  • Combined Training report on child labor and trafficking for six district assemblies Friends of the Nation 1 February 2017

    Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) issues are one of the blotched areas of Ghana’s fisheries contributing to Ghana spiraling down to Tier Two of the US State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Watch-list in June 2016 after two consecutive years – meaning the country’s authorities aren’t doing enough to combat human trafficking. The 3-day program involved coastal District Assemblies of the Central Region, and few selected communities anti-CLaT advocates.

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  • Monitoring on Communication Campaigns Report Development Action Association 1 February 2017

    DAA is a local women’s organization targeted for capacity building and organizational development. This report is a gallery of DAA’s communication interventions with its beneficiary groups in the Greater Accra and Central Regions. These communications activities cut across various task areas such as those undertaken in CLaT, post-harvest improvements, Morison oven promotions. Also captured are the various public advocacy campaigns such as World Rural Women’s Day celebrations, the Ghana Farmer’s Day Celebration, and monitoring for progress of all DAA activities.

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  • Report on the Second Training of Central Region Town and Country Planning Department Officers, January 10 to 12, 2017 Spatial Solutions 11 January 2017

    The GIS trainings are aimed at activating the newly established GIS Data Hub to function as the model training center, not only for TCPD staff, but other sister land sector agencies and departments. The first series of trainings were organized in September, 2016 to build the capacity of 20 officers (8 Planners and 12 Technical officers) in basic GIS/GPS applications relevant to spatial planning. Prior to the trainings a need assessment had been conducted to ascertain the background of prospective participants in GIS and general computing. This second training involved the second set of officers who were shortlisted based on the results of the assessment.

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  • Training on Hygienic Fish Handling, Packaging, Marketing and Fire Safety Development Action Association. 1 January 2017

    The Hygienic Fish Handling and Fire Safety training were for 183 SME’s from Apam, Winneba and Mumford. The SME’s were divided into 3 batches for the training. The first batch was trained on the 16th May, 2017 at Winneba, the second batch 17th May, 2017 at Apam and 18th May, 2017 at Mumford for the last batch. The expected outcomes of training are: * To improve knowledge in basic fire safety measures. * To know how to control basic fire at the processing site. * How to properly package fish for Market. * How to observe personal hygiene before, during and after processing fish. * To know develop marketing and packaging skills.

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  • Leadership training – Apam and Winneba Development Action Association 1 January 2017

    The importance of fish as a food commodity in societies varies from continent to continent. In the early days of man, it was established to be an important food item. Ample evidence proves that preservation techniques for sea fish were developed as early as about 40,000 BC. Fish contributes to millions of the world’s poor caloric intake and is an important source of dietary protein, micro nutrients and essential fatty acids. It is estimated that about 70% of the fish produced by this sub-sector is delivered by the artisan or canoe category.

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  • National Association Executives consensus building Workshops for implementation of National Fisheries Management Plan (NFMP) Friends of the Nation 1 January 2017

    The workshops were organized against the backdrop of ensuring all-inclusive fisheries management and governance regime. *The main objective of the workshops was to solicit feedback from participants on the impacts of the NFMP implementation so far; and the way forward.

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  • Community Restores Degraded Mangroves Fast! 1 January 2017

    Success story about the Sanwoma community restored degraded mangroves

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  • Manual for GIS Training of Central Regional TCPD Officers Owusu Donkor, P., Mensah, J. C, Adams, O. and Mohammed, M. 1 January 2017

    The manual aims to activate the GIS Data Hub as the data clearinghouse and training center for the region and to introduce the use of Quantum GIS, GPS and Google earth for basic data collection and mapping purposes. he GIS training is one of the activities aimed at activating the Central region GIS Data Hub to function as the model training center, not only for TCPD staff, but other sister land agencies and departments.

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  • Small Pelagic LEK Validation Report Asare C., Nortey D. D. N. 1 January 2017

    The Local Ecological Knowledge study of fishermen was to gather detailed information about the knowledge and perceptions of fishermen in coastal communities on Sardinella Fisheries in Ghana. The goal of the validation exercise was to present the findings of the study to the fishermen to vet if it was an accurate representation of their knowledge as provided by interviewees.

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  • Continuous Technology Development for the Low PAH Stove – Ahotor Oven Kwarteng, E., Nketia, S., Manu S. D., Etsra, H., Abbey, L., Amponsah, S., Morrison, A. 1 January 2017

    The SFMP initiated a low PAH improved stove development program in 2016 to find solution to the high levels of PAH in smoked fish produced in Ghana. This exercise led to the development of the downdraft and Ahotor technology. The downdraft technology – a fired-brick combustion chamber that allows for the use of small but efficient fire, the combustion gases from which are then pre-mixed with a larger flow of clean air, to give faster flowing but cooler gas stream at an optimal temperature of ~120°C (250°F). This is then used to smoke/dry the fish in conditions that prevent the formation of high PAH levels. However, the downdraft design is very cumbersome and complicated to construct. Also, although it is easy to operate, using it could be quite frustrating due to high temperature in the smoking chamber which disallows uniform smoking/cooking in the chamber. To address this challenge, the Ahotor oven was developed as a retrofit of the Chorkor stove to reduce PAH levels in smoked fish and smoke exposure to stove users, as well as resolve the lack of uniformity in smoking observed with the downdraft designs. The Ahotor technology is simple, easy to build, functional and user friendly.

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  • Report On DAA Members Annual Meeting with Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Development Action Association 1 January 2017

    This year about 30 representatives met the Chief Director of Fisheries as the Minister and her Deputy had both traveled. They discussed issues affecting their livelihoods such as sand winning, limited supply of premix fuel and illegal fishing practices. The Director pledged the Ministry’s support to solve some of the issues presented.

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  • Memorandum of Understanding for Supporting Sustainable and Best Fisheries Practices between the USAID/ SFMP/ CEWEFIA and the Elmina Opinion Leaders CEWEFIA 1 January 2017

    The USAID/SFMP project through its implementing partner, CEWEFIA, together with Opinion Leaders in Elmina agrees to: • Support a Marine Fishery Management Plan for Targeted Stocks, such as small pelagic stock and demersal fish stocks. • Support measures to reduce overfishing and illegal fishing such as the Fisheries Management Plan or ways to reduce fishing effort especially of the canoe fleet, add an additional fishing holiday, closed season or effective cap on new registrations. • Support co-management national policy to enable co-management initiatives to be realized. • Support Hygienic Fish Handling and processing in the fisheries Value chain. • The parties to this MOU agree to commit to improving the fisheries and adhering to best practices and sustainable fisheries management measures. This MOU outlines parties’ roles and responsibilities.

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  • Empowering Women for Sustainable Fisheries Management Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    In Ghana, the role of women in the fishing sector is highly defined by traditional gendered roles-where men go fishing and women are mainly responsible for processing and marketing fish.

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  • Baseline Assessment of Demersal Fish Stocks of the Western Region of Ghana Lazar, N. 1 January 2017

    The baseline study was a cooperative research which involved some stakeholders, specifically fishermen and fish processors of the Western Region in the data collection procedures. The purpose was to invite stakeholders to participate in fisheries research which often is the source of management decisions. The training also aimed at helping fishermen and fish processors understand the science behind management decisions and the need to comply with fisheries regulations.

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  • VSLA Delivers a Better Future for Fishing Communities Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    Anthony Eshi, is a 38 year old vegetable farmer at Ajomoro Eshiem in the Nzema East District of the Western region of Ghana. Access to finance to expand his farming business and to improve the livelihoods of his family remain his major source of worry.

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  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Delivering New Information for Vulnerable Communities Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    The SFMP UAV program is improving how coastal zones and landscapes are conserved, managed, and utilized. The program provides two UAVs, multiple camera options, and staff training for government, non-government, and university entities. Operators are trained in the safe use of UAVs; as well as processing and analyzing the information collected.

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  • USAID Builds Capacity for Healthy Fish Processing in Ghana Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    Starting four years ago, Victoria planned her approach. She needed to renovate and upgrade a fish processing facility that her association rents to migrant fish processors to provide a better working environment for these women. Working with support from the USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, and in collaboration with the Ghana Fisheries Commission, she started to work.

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  • USAID ANTI-CHILD LABOR STRATEGY FINDS SUCCESS IN COASTAL FISHING COMMUNITIES Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    Joseph Kwesi Arthur, a 12-year old boy from Biriwa, a fishing community in the Central Region, is one of the latest Ghanaian children to be rescued from child labor. Joseph was sent away by his parents in 2017 at the age of 10 to stay with relatives due to the economic hardship facing his parents. Joseph’s parents depend on fishing for their livelihood, economic income and food security

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  • Fish Processors Adopt Hygienic Practices to Improve Quality Fish Consumption Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    Small-scale fish processing in Ghana contributes directly to the livelihoods of more than 30,000 women in 340 coastal communities. It provides income to meet basic household needs including food, health care, and school fees for children. However, most fish processors produce poor quality products due to limited knowledge about good hygiene. Fish receiving, washing, processing and packaging is often done in the same area which increases the potential for cross-contamination between freshly delivered raw fish and finished products.

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  • Government of Ghana and Public University Units Mid-Term Organizational Capacity Assessment Report Kent, K. 1 January 2017

    The objective of the Mid-Term Organizational Capacity Assessment was: *To Identify opportunities and tailor collaboration to develop the capacity of 9 selected Government of Ghana units to sustainably contribute to the fisheries sector results supported by SFMP. *Monitor progress and document results under the SFMP capacity development result area and PMP Indicator 4. “Number of institutions with improved capacity to develop and implement managed access fisheries management plans.”

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  • Identification of Fish Processors Group Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2017

    Due to the homogeneity of their Activities, fish processors form groups or associations to create a support network and strengthen the social cohesion in times of bereavement, delivery and other special occasions. The objective of this activity is to identify strengthen existing fish processors groups and build their capacity on advocacy and self-reliance.

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  • INCREASING APPETITE FOR HEALTHY FISH PROCESSING IN GHANA Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2017

    Women like Victoria Koomson, the Executive Director of the Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA), a local nongovernmental organization based in Elmina, provide support to these women to help them address these challenges.

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  • Trainer of Trainers Workshop in Oyster Value Addition Development Action Association 1 January 2017

    The objectives of the workshop were to; * Learn the different processing techniques in oyster preservation. * Add value to oyster for higher prices. * Be able to organize an oyster durbar to create awareness and attract customers.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. October 1 to December 31, 2016. Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2016

    This progress report details the activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Year 3 (October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.

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  • Progress Report. October 1 to December 31, 2016 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2016

    The objective of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) is to rebuild marine fisheries stocks and catches through adoption of responsible fishing practices. This progress report hereby details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Project Year 3 (FY17). It also explains how partners contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Report On Sensitization Meeting At Sekondi Opare-.Addo J 1 December 2016

    The purpose of this sensitization meeting was to increase constituencies to support in rebuilding the fisheries which is near collapse. Stakeholders after promising their support for the project were informed by CEWEFIA that they would be included in the implementation of project activities directly and indirectly. It is hoped that post- harvest activities would have a greater impact at Sekondi.

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  • Report On 32nd Municipal and District Farmers’ Day Celebrations (Ga East Municipal, Efutu Municipal and Gomoa West District) Development Action Association 1 December 2016

    Development Action Association (DAA) which is a farmers’ organization and a local implementing partner of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) participated in the Farmers’ Day event organized in the Ga South Municipal, Efutu Municipal and Gomoa West District Assemblies in the Greater Accra and Central regions of Ghana respectively, with a call to all especially fisher folks to adopt and practise responsible fishing and fishing methods by saying “NO TO BAD FISH”. The theme for this year’s event was “Agriculture; a business response to economic growth”. The theme emphasized the importance of agriculture as a commercial establishment/profession that can create the needed profitable growth as well as improve living standards of farmers, fishers, processors etc. and the nation as a whole.

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  • Hownam Dialogue: Conflict Management Training Report Takyi, M. 1 December 2016

    The focus for this training was conflict management in four communities trained in hownam dialogue in Elmina, Moree, Anlo and Sekondi. The table below shows the number of participants by gender

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  • Farmers Day Celebrations in Apam and Winneba. Development Action Association 1 December 2016

    DAA’s objective for participating and supporting the Farmers and Fishers Day celebrations were to; *Educate the fisher folk on the tenets of the SFMP project *Sensitize the fisher folk on the effects of IUU fishing. *To appreciate and reward the outstanding fisher folk *Provide a platform for fish processor members of DAA to exhibit their hygienically produced fish to the public.

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  • Field Support and Coaching Of Partners; Training on Use Of Ahotor Oven Kwarteng, E. Avega B 17 November 2016

    the objectives were to train participants on the effective use of Ahotor oven for optimum utilization using fish smoking demonstrations, to increase participants’ knowledge on promotional messages for effective awareness campaigns, to educate participants on a financing scheme for the improved stove promotion program.

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  • Morrison Stove Independent Evaluation Report Odjidja, E., Yeboah, D., Abgekpornu, H., Manu, S., Beran, K. 1 November 2016

    This report is an independent evaluation of the Morrison stove commissioned by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture under direction of the Fisheries Commission Post-Harvest Unit with funding provided by the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. Since its introduction, fish processors and fish traders have started using the Morrison stove for smoking small pelagic fish. In order to evaluate their experience using the Morrison stove, which includes benefits and challenges of its use, an independent study was conducted among fish processors using the Morrison stove, those not using it (a control group) and traders who buy and sell fish smoked using a Morrison stove. The survey was conducted in four regions across Ghana, including Greater Accra, Central, Volta and Brong Ahafo.

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  • Initial Meeting with Stakeholders on Oyster Group Formation Report Asare, A. 1 November 2016

    This report is on the meetings with stakeholders on oyster group formation. The meeting was targeted at making participants aware of the formation of an oyster management group who will be trained on how best to manage and cultivate oysters while using it as an alternative livelihood.

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  • Report on 2nd Gender Mainstreaming Strategy Validation Workshop Avega B. 1 November 2016

    This report is to review the second draft strategy document with a wider stakeholder group and to finalize the strategy document. The meeting was successful. There was not much technical review as most participants were really pleased by the amount of work that has been done so far. The participants acknowledged the efforts of the consultants, MOAD/FC and SNV for making the strategy a reality.

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  • Fishers’ Micro-Insurance Partnership-Year 1 Work Planning Workshop Report Resonance Global 1 November 2016

    The newly formalized Fishers Micro-nsurance Partnership brings together Millennium Insurance, UT Life Insurance, Vodafone, BIMA, and SFMP to create a micro insurance scheme for fisher folk (both fishermen and fish processors). This insurance partnership, formally entered into with a Letter of Collaboration in October 2016, seeks to overcome the reluctance of traditional insurance firms in Ghana to cover artisanal fishermen and fish processors in order to improve the livelihoods of fisher folk by reducing their risks and providing a means of saving for retirement. This partnership also serves to complement existing government efforts to provide micro insurance for fishers.

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  • World Fish Day 2016 Report Mensah, P. 1 November 2016

    This year’s World Fisheries Day was celebrated by fisherfolks represented by the major fisheries associations of Ghana on Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 in Cape Coast. The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) led the organization of the event in partnerships with the following associations: • Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association (GIFA), • Ghana Industrial Fisheries Association (GITA), • National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA). The Sustainable Fisheries Management Project sponsored the event with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Fisheries Commission (FC). The theme chosen for the event was: “Empowering fisherfolks for sustainable Fisheries”.

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  • Report On 2nd Gender Mainstreaming Strategy Validation Workshop. Avega B. 1 November 2016

    The Objective of workshop was to; Review the second draft strategy document with a wider stakeholder group and Finalize the strategy document

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Annual Progress Report, October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016. Coastal Resources Center 31 October 2016

    This is the annual progress report for Year 2 of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. It covers the time period October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.

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  • Celebration of World Rural Women’s Day 2016 Asare, A. 31 October 2016

    World Rural Women’s Day was celebrated on October 15, 2016. This year’s celebration in Ghana was held in three communities: Apam in the Central Region Bortiano in the Ga South and Konko in the Akuapim South District and attended by 500 people. Activities undertaken to celebrate the day included • advocacy training workshop for 20 participants (4 men and 16 women) and radio discussions on the role of stakeholders in ensuring quality and healthy fish and food on the market.

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  • Fisheries Commission Presentation Hen Mpoano 27 October 2016

    Powerpoint presentation from the SFMP Fisheries Commission.

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Year 3 Work Plan: October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017 Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 1 October 2016

    Year 3 represents the mid-term period of the project. The first two years have garnered much experience and lessons learned concerning the evolving context within the marine fisheries sector and a better understanding of what can be achieved over the life of project. The following narrative first provides a big picture overview and describes adjustments in the Life-of-Project targets based on the initial project experience and better conforms to the expectations of what can be achieved in the remaining three years of the project.

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  • Fishing Community Livelihood Value Chain Development and Post-harvest Improvements: An Extension Strategy for the Scale-up of Improved Smoker Technologies Coast-wide. SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, Central and Western Region Fishmongers Improvement Association, and Coastal Resources Center 1 October 2016

    Fish processing is the main economic activity for women living in and around the coastal and lake areas of Ghana. Preservation methods include salting, frying and freezing, but smoking is the most prevalent form: practically all species of fish available in the country can be smoked and it is estimated that 75% of the domestic marine and freshwater catch is processed this way. Poor product quality and unhygienic handling practices are a major concern in the local fish processing industry. The illegal use of chemicals and explosives in fishing are a major contributor to poor quality of fish caught. The smoking and drying techniques of the Chorkor stove have limitations that deserve greater attention in order to significantly improve livelihoods of small-scale fishers and respond effectively to product safety challenges – especially linked to controlling contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a public health hazard. PAH are carcinogenic, fat soluble, nonvolatile and extremely persistent, and develop especially during the incomplete combustion of organic materials.

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  • Fisheries Management Operational Committee (FMOC) Monitoring the Performance of the National Fisheries Management Plan (Ghana). Terms of Reference for Establishing an FMOC Najih Lazar 1 October 2016

    The MoFAD developed a five-year National Fisheries Management Plan (NFMP 2015-2019) to end overfishing, protect marine habitat and meet the regional and international fisheries management obligations. The Plan sets out a five-year strategy for the fishery and provides direction for the formulation of management actions in the context of existing legislation. The Fisheries Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Plan through the establishment of a Fisheries Management Operational Committee (FMOC). This document is a terms of reference for establishing the committee.

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  • Business Model Options and Strategy for Upscale of Stoves. Richard Amaning 1 October 2016

    This business strategy and model option document provides holistic strategies and a comprehensive business model for upscale of improved fish smoking stoves in Ghana. It has been developed to assist government, development partners and businesses in the improved cookstoves market with the requisite business strategies and models to reach scale. The document also draws upon lessons from other business models used in scaling improved fish smoke stove adoption in Ghana and other parts of the world.

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  • Subsidies in Ghana’s Marine Artisanal Fisheries Sector. Tobey, J., A. K. Normanyo, P. Osei, K. Beran, & B. Crawford 1 October 2016

    The pace of overcapacity and overexploitation of fisheries resources is exacerbated by capacity-enhancing subsidies such as fuel and engine subsidies. The premix fuel subsidy and tax waivers cost the Government of Ghana US$44 million annually. It is a ‘capacity-enhancing’ subsidy, meaning it promotes increased fishing effort, overexploitation of fish stocks, lowers fishing productivity in the long run, and makes fishermen, boat owners and everyone in the fishery sub-sector poorer. The outboard engine subsidy is also a capacity-enhancing subsidy that is costing the people of Ghana over US$4.5 million/year. Fisheries actors would be better off without the capacity-enhancing subsidies and funds used toward these programs could be redirected to programs that promote conservation, research, monitoring, and enforcement of fisheries which are referred to as beneficial subsidies. However, outright removal of subsidies could result in severe short-term socio-economic consequences. Based on the analysis in this report, phasing out capacity enhancing subsidies in fisheries is recommended, while at the same time redirecting investment toward programs that will make fishermen and fisheries stakeholders better off in the medium to long term.

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  • Advocacy training for fish processors World Rural Women’s Day Development Action Association 1 October 2016

    The role of women in post-harvest fishery delivery especially in fish processing is enormous, and supports household income and livelihoods. However, the post-harvest value chain of the fishing industry is confronted with many challenges. Central among them is management of the fishing business itself as a means of generating sustainable income to better lives; and low involvement in decision making that affect them. Apart from fishing from the sea which is predominantly a male activity, all other fishing related businesses are mostly undertaken by women. These women in their daily business activities continue to battle with making their views and voices heard in socio-economic issues that boarders on their development. The Development Action Association (DAA) organized a two-day training in basic advocacy skills to enable them build their capacity, sharpen their skills in advocating on issues that affect their businesses and livelihood. This will enable beneficiaries build the needed strength and constituencies to improve their sector, as well as create awareness for improved fishing and processing practices.

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  • Report on the Baseline Survey of Small Pelagic Fishing Households along the Ghana Coast Crawford, B., L. Gonzales, D. Amin, B. Nyari-Hardi, & Y.A. Sarpong 30 September 2016

    This report provides a baseline of the current context and conditions of coastal fishing households as well as their attitudes and perceptions in a number of areas the project is working to change. The baseline also captures a number of comparable indicators that are being collected in the USAID Feed the Future northern zone of influence (ZOI) and reported in the Population Based Survey Report. These include indicators on the prevalence of hunger and dietary diversity and some other measures in relation to household structure, contents and ownership of durable goods, and a selected set of indicators included in the women’s empowerment index. This will allow for some level of comparison of conditions in coastal fishing households versus Northern farming households although this is not a focus of this report. With respect to fisheries, the baseline captures information on a number of long term trend indicators including perceptions of change in quality of life, status of the fisheries and other factors the project is attempting to influence. These include, awareness and compliance with fishing regulations and perceptions concerning illegal fishing, empowerment of women within the industry, and aspects of child labor and trafficking. As part of the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework, these indicators will be tracked during the project's progression at mid-point and at the conclusion of the project to assess the impact of the SFMP.

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  • SFMP Bi-Annual Newsletter “Our Fish. Our Coast. Our Future.” Vol. 1 (2) Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2016

    Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Newsletter. Volume 1, Number 2, describing significant events in fisheries management in Ghana, and milestones achieved in Year Two of project implementation (FY 2016).

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  • SFMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Quarterly Progress Report, October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016. Adiza Owusu 30 September 2016

    During the FY 2015 of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), an Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) was prepared and approved by USAID. The EMMP complies with 22 CFR 216 and was prepared based on the revised USAID’s Ghana Economic Growth Portfolio Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) which was already in place for the (SFMP). This document reports on implementation of the plan during 2016.

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  • Annual Progress Report, October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016 Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2016

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, lessons learned during Year 2 (October1, 2015 to September 30, 2016). It further explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Testing Of Low PAH Improved Fish Smoking Stove (Ahotor Oven) Institute for Industrial Research- CSIR, Ghana Standard Authority, Kwarteng E. 1 September 2016

    This report presents the findings from a Controlled Cooking Test (CCT) on an improved fish smoking stove called the AHOTOR OVEN design by the combine effort of SNV, FRI, FC and NAFPTA under the USAID funded Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. The Project aims at ending overfishing of key stocks important to local food security through a multi-pronged approach.

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  • Exchange Visit for Town and Country Planning Department Officers: Workshop Report Mensah, J., Kankam, S. 1 September 2016

    This year‟s Exchange Visit event was intended to illustrate tools and methodologies for coastal spatial planning and highlight the utility of spatial planning approaches for completing coastal climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning using examples from the Western region. Additionally, the event provided the opportunity to initiate preliminary discussions on the outline and content of an Integrated Coastal Management toolkit proposed for central region.

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  • Low PAH Improved Fish Smoking Stove Design Development Report Pemberton-Pigott, C., Robinson, J., Kwarteng, E., Boateng, L. 1 September 2016

    This study seeks to assess improved fish drying technologies and provide design guidance for the development of an adequately efficient fuel device that produces dried fish with low PAH levels. This report presents an overview of the fish smoking process and a review of five smoking stoves tested by SNV: three existing low-cost stove designs (Chorkor, Morrison and Open Source), plus the two higher-cost stove designs (FAO Thiaroye Technology (FTT) and Divine), with respect to performance, construction, costs, capacity, user-friendliness and PAH levels in fish. Based on this analysis, the optimal conditions for this process are recommended and a design process is outlined that resulted in two new prototype fish smoking stoves– a new build downdraft stove and a combustor to retrofit to existing stove types.

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  • Livelihood Options Synthesis Report Kwarteng, E., Nsiah, A.A.H, Samey B., Boateng L., Aziebor, E. 1 September 2016

    In this report the SFMP is synthesizing knowledge on post-harvest livelihoods to better understand the scope and opportunities available for scaling up. The objective of this report is therefore to Identify and understand the various livelihood options on fish post-harvest value chain along the coast of Ghana, determine the financial viability of the different livelihood options, identify the various barriers associated with these options, recommend options for scaling up under the project

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  • Climate Change Adaptation Options for Axim and Sanwoma Communities with Emphasis on Fish Processing Households Adams Osam, Stephen Kankam and Peter Owusu Donkor 1 September 2016

    This paper seeks to determine vulnerability of fish processing infrastructures and households to flood hazards. In addition economic impact of flooding is estimated for various assets at risk within Axim and Sanwoma. With additional purpose focused on estimating economic impact of flooding on assets at risk. Also low flood risk zones were mapped to inform siting of fish processing infrastructure within these communities. Lastly, recommendations are made for short and long-term flood hazard mitigation with thier cost implications.

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  • Fisheries Data Collection Workshop, August 22-23, 2016 R. Bowen, N. Lazar 22 August 2016

    The workshop was organized between the SFMP team and the Ghana Fisheries Commision Fisheries Scientific Survey Division to evaluate the current data flow for catch and effort data being collected in the field and the data bases used to manage that data in the FSSD office. Current practice involves paper based survey techniques with data being hand entered into desktop data systems in the FSSD office in Tema. Data frequently takes 8 to 12 months to move from the canoe fishery landing site to the statistical survey effort at FSSD. Modern technology can be applied to this field survey technique that would improve the speed of information acquisition and management as well as the quality (QC and QA) of the resulting data. Multiple efforts are being explored by SFMP, WARFP and the FAO to move the Ghana Fisheries Commission toward electronic data collection and as such we found it important to bring the FC/FSSD group together to determine what the best direction would be for them.

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  • Fisheries Data Collection Workshop, August 22-23, 2016 Bowen, R., & Lazar, N. 22 August 2016

    The workshop was organized between the SFMP team and the Ghana Fisheries Commision Fisheries Scientific Survey Division to evaluate the current data flow for catch and effort data being collected in the field and the data bases used to manage that data in the FSSD office. Current practice involves paper-based survey techniques with data being hand entered into desktop data systems in the FSSD office in Tema. Data frequently takes 8 to 12 months to move from the canoe fishery landing site to the statistical survey effort at FSSD. Modern technology can be applied to this field survey technique that would improve the speed of information acquisition and management as well as the quality (QC and QA) of the resulting data.

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  • Report of Meeting with Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Agbogah, K., Mensah, P. 1 August 2016

    A meeting was held between the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, USAID/Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) and Fisheries Commission and on 30-31 July, 2016 at Aqua Safari Resort in Ada. The purpose of the meeting was to brief the Parliamentary Select Committee on fisheries sector issues particularly the state of Ghana’s marine fisheries and current challenges. His expectation was that by the end of the two days the Parliamentarians would understand in greater detail the challenges of the fisheries sector particularly the state of the small pelagic fisheries resources.

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  • FWC Volunteer Training Manual Framework. 15. Mario Maderazo and SSG Advisors 1 August 2016

    Experience and practice have shown that law enforcement requires good community relations, community education and outreach on the laws being enforced, and support for the prosecution of violators. This framework seeks to outline a standard volunteer training module to align with the desired core competencies of Fisheries Watchdog Committee (FWC) volunteers.

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  • REPORT ON THE 2016 GHANA MARINE CANOE FRAME SURVEY Dovlo, E,, Amador, K, Nkrumah, B. 1 August 2016

    The aim of the survey was to assess the size, structure and distribution of artisanal marine canoes, collect basic data and information necessary for processing annual artisanal marine catch data, collect socio-economic information from the artisanal marine sector, and collect other information on the canoe fleet. The frame survey focused on detailed count and measurement of canoes and fishing gears, number of outboard motors, number of fishing villages and landing beaches, number of fishermen. Other parameters that were also considered included the cost of fishing inputs, fish sharing system, migration patterns and other socio-economic information for the month of April 2016. The data and information collected on the fishing effort inventory covered all landing sites. Full enumeration was however not employed for the socio-economic data. The data was collected during period where there was less migration of canoe and fishermen between landing centers. This document was prepared by the Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. FISHERIES COMMISSION, Fisheries Scientific Survey Division and is included on this website for reference purposes only.

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  • Ghana Leadership for Fisheries Management Course 2016: Report and Recommendations K. Castro, G. Ricci 31 July 2016

    The “Leadership for Fisheries Management” course offered by the URI’s Coastal Resources Center of the Graduate School of Oceanography and the Fisheries Center of the College of Environment and Life Sciences was an intensive program focused on the application of an ecosystem approach and a whole systems view to fisheries management as the overarching themes of this leadership development experience. The participants explored new and innovative concepts in fisheries management with examples from international fishery cases.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. April 1 to June 30, 2016. Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2016

    This progress report details the activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Year 2 (April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.

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  • Progress Report. April 1 to June 30, 2016 Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2016

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, and lessons learned during the third quarter of Year 2 (April 01, 2016 to June 30, 2016). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • National Coastal Planning Workshop Agbogah, K., Etornam Kassah, J. and Sowah, S. 15 June 2016

    This document contains the proceedings of the National Coastal Planning Workshop in Ghana. In April, 2016, extreme tidal events along the coast of Ghana reported as “Tidal Waves” did considerable damage to private and public infrastructure. The wave events and destruction that followed has highlighted the need for a forum to discuss the issues, learn lessons and put institutional arrangements in place to plan for and respond to coastal hazards. The workshop’s objectives included understanding the nature and extent of these events and exploring ways to help address such losses in the future and consider the range of options to protect, rehabilitate, relocate and redesign vulnerable settlements and infrastructure. A total of 34 participants from local and international institutions, as well as representatives of affected communities, attended the 2-day workshop held at the Pempamsie Hotel in Cape Coast.

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  • Hownam Training Manual Adeborna, D. and Okyere-Nyako A. 6 June 2016

    Hownam dialogue is a unique training of trainers program designed by SNV under the SFMP to help women and women groups to understand leadership and develop the important skills needed for taking up leadership roles. It is also to help understand group dynamics and encourage informal discussions at their meetings on issues affecting the group and communities and to solicit support from each other. “Hownam” is a Fante word from Ghana which means fish smoking. The Hownam Dialogue is about learning from group experience (engaging with) rather than teaching, about groups and the individual. It aims to provide a unique chance to participants to experience group dynamics and to understand how they as individuals operate within a group, experience unspoken attitudes, personalities, leadership, authority, conflicts etc. The understanding and learning from the group process is supposed to lead to the understanding of leadership, power, and authority.

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  • National Coastal Planning Workshop Agbogah, K., Etornam Kassah, J., Sowah, S. 1 June 2016

    This document contains the proceedings of the National Coastal Planning Workshop in Ghana. In April, 2016, extreme tidal events along the coast of Ghana reported as “Tidal Waves” did considerable damage to private and public infrastructure. The wave events and destruction that followed has highlighted the need for a forum to discuss the issues, learn lessons and put institutional arrangements in place to plan for and respond to coastal hazards. The workshop’s objectives included understanding the nature and extent of these events and exploring ways to help address such losses in the future and consider the range of options to protect, rehabilitate, relocate and redesign vulnerable settlements and infrastructure. A total of 34 participants from local and international institutions, as well as representatives of affected communities, attended the 2-day workshop held at the Pempamsie Hotel in Cape Coast.

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  • Baseline Study on Women in Leadership Roles within SFMP Fisheries Stakeholder Groups Okyere-Nyako, A., Nsiah, A. 1 June 2016

    The main issue the survey aims to address is the low involvement of women in the management of fishery resources in Ghana. Though women are engaged in almost all aspects of fishery, from net to plate, their involvement in decision making and control over is limited. The absence of a holistic approach to the management of fishery resources affects the effectiveness of the management of the resource. The report recommends providing continuous leadership training such as the hownam dialogue for the associations. It encourages affirmative action in male dominated groups in the fisheries industry. Another entry point for the inclusion of women as leaders in the fishery sector is through the FC staff, who offer technical support to the fishermen on the management of the landing beaches. The survey also encourages groups/associations to work under the affiliation of NAFPTA Finally the report recommends providing continuous capacity development for associations on governance, organization, a united voice, advocacy, and sustainability of their structures.

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  • Vulnerability Assessment for Axim Fish Landing Site, Nzema East District Adams, O., Kankam, S., Owusu Donkor, P. 1 June 2016

    This assessment focuses on investigating the vulnerability of fish processing infrastructure in Axim to the impacts of flooding and evolving sea level rise as a result of climate change. In addition, economic impacts of flooding and evolving sea level rise on fishing households and infrastructure are also assessed. The assessment takes into account the overall planning context in the Nzema East Municipal Assembly and how this influences decisions and choices for building coastal resilience.

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  • Improved Stove Financing Scheme Report Avega, B. Kwarteng E 1 June 2016

    This intervention involves the installation of improved stoves to interested fish processors (smokers) at a cost subsidy of 30% for the first 50 early adopters after which all adopters acquire the stove at its original price. The main stakeholders that will be involved in this partnership is SNV and the project partners who will carry out awareness creation campaigns, on one side, the financial institution, the stove company and the beneficiary.

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  • Evaluation Of Fisheries Stock Assessment And Management Of Small Pelagics In Ghana Stock Assessment Peer Review Brown B., Moustahfid, H. 1 June 2016

    The meeting of the Scientific and Technical Working group (STWG) focusing on the management of the small pelagic fisheries in Ghana was well run and participation excellent. The composition of the body wisely included both scientific and technical expertise from multiple sources including government and universities.as well as independent observers. Most critically it included representation from the fishing community, both fishers and processers. That latter were particularly important in areas such as what was happening in the fishery since the last available official data and in in discussing impacts of various management options on the communities as well as candid discussions of fishing practices useful in understanding the data from the fishery.

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  • Training Report on Woodlot Plantation for Youth Addo, J.O., Antwi, H., and Takyi, M. 1 June 2016

    Two day woodlot plantation training was organized for the Youth of Anlo, Krobo and Bosomdo on the 23rd – 24th June 2016. A total of 26 women and 27 men were present. The activity is aimed at helping to preserve the mangrove at Anlo and satellite communities which is being harvested as fuelwood by the youth living along the lagoon. The objectives of the training were to reduce reliance on mangrove as fuelwood, to enable the youth to set up their own plantations and to provide alternate livelihood to the youth in charcoal burning.

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  • The Formation and Inauguration Of Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCS) at Elmina and at Moree in the Central Region. Smith N., Hannah, A. and Takyi, M. 1 June 2016

    The Inauguration of the Formed Community Child Protection Committees for both Moree and Elmina took off on Thursday, 11th February, 2016 at the Oguaa Teachers Credit Union Conference Hall, Cape Coast. A total of 67 persons attended the ceremony, made up of 20 females and 57 males. The CCPC members alone were 34 while the rest were Government Officials, Opinion Leaders, Traditional Authorities, SFMP Official, an Official from Challenging Heights, 2 Staff from Friends of the Nation, 6 Staff from CEWEFIA, 10 Media personnel, 2 Community Facilitators and 4 anti-CLaT Advocates. The Inaugural Ceremony was chaired by The KEEA Municipal Director of CHRAJ. The Acting Regional Director of Department for Gender gave the Keynote Address while the Regional Director of Department for Social Development inaugurated the Community Child Protection Committees.

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  • Organizational Development Manual Agbey, S., Tsikata, S., Childress, A. 1 June 2016

    This Manual has been prepared for Local Partners on the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project to help local Non-Governmental Organizations understand the need for organizational development and to get them ready for the USAID FORWARD initiative. The USAID Forward initiative was instituted by the Obama Administration to support local Non-Governmental Organizations to receive direct funding from the donor community.

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  • Video Shows and Radio Sensitization. Development Action Association 1 June 2016

    The prevalence of child labor and trafficking in fishing has being issue of public concern, in Ghana and especially in the Central region. This had made it necessary for trained Community Advocates by DAA under the USAID SFMP from Child labor and trafficking prone Communities like Mumford, Apam and Winneba to advocate against child labor and trafficking in those mentioned Communities. The Anti CLaT advocates from Apam, Winneba and Mumford organized video shows to educate, sensitize them on the prevalence and negative impact of child labor and trafficking. The video show was successful with the help of DAA, sponsored by USAID through the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

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  • Prosecutorial Chain Workshop, Western Region, Proceedings Friends of the Nation 19 May 2016

    Workshop to discuss success, challenges, and identify strategies for strengthening marine fisheries prosecution chain.

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  • Fisheries Law Enforcement Training, May 19-21, 2015. Friends of the Nation 19 May 2016

    This report presents outcome of the second in the series of fisheries enforcement training since the inception of SFMP. The three-day training workshop was held at the office of Friends of the Nation (FoN) from the 19th of May to the 21st,2015. The training brought together 30 officers of the marine police as well as officials from the Fisheries Commission. Resource persons with dignified backgrounds from Fisheries Commission (FC), Friends of the Nation and the Ghana Police Service (GPS) facilitated the three-day training.

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  • Anti-Child Labor and Trafficking Radio Dialogue Program Radio Peace Report Friends of the Nation 1 May 2016

    The objective is to advocate for CLaT practices to be “socially unacceptable practice in the coastal-fishing source communities to *eliminate or reduce the incidences of exploitation of children by individuals therefore hindering the development of the child.

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  • Energy Expenditure Survey and Assessment of the Economics of Fish Processing at Anlo Beach Kwarteng, E., Nsiah, A.A.H, Aziebor, E. 1 May 2016

    Contributing to the high rate of deforestation is the widespread use of inefficient fish smoking techniques. The popular fish smoking stove used in Ghana is the Chorkor stove introduced in Ghana by FAO in 1969. Since then, there has been few improvement attempts with recorded successes as well as some failures. Some of the successful innovations and improvements to the Chorkor stove include the Morrison stove, Frismo/Frismo stove, AWEP stoves among others. This study will investigate and compare the energy budgets and economics of using the various fish smoking techniques. The Anlo Beach community is used as a case study.

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  • Market Segmentation Study Report Amaning, R. 1 May 2016

    The purpose of the segmentation study is to clearly identify the socio-economic conditions under which the Smoked Fish Processors operate (Stove Users), their needs and provide a clear understanding of the nature of their businesses and operations. The study is also expected to clearly identify key characteristics of the various segments of Smoked Fish Processors in the Central and Western Regions.

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  • Investment Impact Tool Amaning, R. 1 May 2016

    This tool is expected to be used to assess the level of investment made into the operations and activities of Fish Processors within the fishing industry in Ghana. It is among other things to be used to measure the level of impact made with respect to the business operations of the Fish Processors.

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  • Report on Interim DAA Fisheries Training Center Staff Training Avega B. 1 May 2016

    The objectives of the training were to: * Inform the staff of the project concept and objectives and how the center fits into achieving the project objective * To explain the need for the center and the business plan developed for the center * To explain their responsibilities and role in managing the center towards achieving the project’s goal.

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  • Supporting the Fisheries Commission’s Community Fisheries Watchdog Committees: Review of the Ghanaian Legal Context. Tuinese Edward Amuzu, SSG Advisors 30 April 2016

    Review of the legal basis for a community-based enforcement program.

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  • Supporting the Fisheries Commission’s Community Fisheries Watchdog Committees: Legal Review of the Bantay Dagat Program in the Philippines. Mario Maderazo, SSG Advisors 30 April 2016

    Report on the Bantay Dagat marine police and enforcement program in the Philippines.

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  • Memorandum of Agreement Between the Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, USA, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana University of Cape Coast, Ghana and University of Rhode Island 15 April 2016

    The objectives of this MOU are to identify and strengthen areas of synergy between the Coastal Resources Center (CRC) and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Cape Coast and the newly established Center for Coastal Management (CCM) in the implementation of their respective USAID-funded projects and create avenues to continue the exchange of scientific expertise and management capabilities in areas of marine fisheries and coastal management beyond the life of the two USAID funded projects. CRC and CCM agree to leverage existing academic and outreach programs of both universities in marine fisheries and coastal management and provide opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in joint research, education and extension programs. The CRC and CCM agree to continue ongoing consultations at all levels on the basis of mutual benefit of their respective USAID-funded projects.

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  • Proceedings of the National Fisheries Stock Assessment Peer Review Workshop:The Status of Small Pelagic Fisheries in Ghana Lazar, Najih 13 April 2016

    The overall objective of this peer review workshop was to review and validate the stock assessment report presented by the STWG on the status of the stock of small pelagic fish in Ghana. The panel shared experiences on stock assessment and explored appropriate methods based on existing fisheries data available in Ghana. The workshop also developed management recommendations and strategies to improve fisheries data and assessment methods.

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  • Supporting the Fisheries Commission’s Community Fisheries Watchdog Committees: Design Document SSG Advisors 1 April 2016

    In a workshop held by USAID/Ghana SFMP in March 17-18, 2016, representatives of the Ghanaian Government, enforcement agencies, fishermen and fish processors discussed and agreed on the formation of a Ghanaian community-based enforcement initiative to help halt and reverse the decline of Ghana’s fish stocks. The workshop outcomes echoed the earlier decision made by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to institute community fisheries watchdog committees.

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  • SFMP Bi-Annual Newsletter “Our Fish. Our Coast. Our Future.” Vol. 1 (1) Coastal Resources Center 1 April 2016

    This newsletter outlines the success stories and milestones of Year 1 of the Ghana SFMP Project. These include: From Ground to Tabletop, Fishers Become Researchers in Collaborative Research Intervention, National Marine Fisheries Plan Unveiled at Stakeholders Dialogue, Stakeholders Poised for Change; Consultations Reveal, SFMP and WARFP Philippines Study Tour Paves the Way, & USAID Sister Projects on the go!

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  • Validation Workshop On Business Model Options & Segmentation Study Reports Amaning, R. 1 April 2016

    SNV Netherlands Development Organization organized a 2-day validation workshop on the business model options and market segmentation study reports from 27th -28th April, 2016 at Erata Hotel, East Legon-Accra. The purpose of the validation workshop was to discuss the results of the business model options, segmentation study and validate the findings through brainstorming sessions as well as solicit the views of implementing partners and stakeholders in finalizing the report.

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  • Profile of Ankobra Estuary Resource Users and Use Patterns Hen Mpoano 1 April 2016

    The Profile of Ankobra Estuary resource users and use patterns characterizes the users of the Ankobra estuary and their resource utilization patterns including their traditional management practices and perceptions. The process also investigated the fishery of the estuary to unearth key species and their subsistence and or commercial value. As a follow up activity to the Ankobra Climate and Livelihood Vulnerability assessment, this profile aims at developing further understanding about community and ecosystem resilience and laying the groundwork for the development of community-based estuarine fishery planning and management approaches.

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  • Shama Disaster Management Committee Meeting and Field Work To Plan Anlo Beach Resettlement Friends of the Nation 1 April 2016

    The scoping and literature review exercised conducted by Friends of the Nation (FoN) under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) recommended the need to conduct Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) Analysis of some relevant committees who are connected in one way or the other to ensuring the management of natural resources and sustainable development of communities within coastal areas. Amongst these committees, the Disaster Management Committee (DMC) was identified. This committee is chaired by the District Chief Executive (DCE) who occupies the highest office in the district. The committee is made up of 8 members representing the Physical Planning and Engineering and Works Department of the assembly, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Navy, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

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  • URI President’s Visit to Friends of the Nation and the Western Region Friends of the Nation 1 April 2016

    On Saturday April 16, 2016, the President of the University of Rhode Island (URI) Dr. David Dooley visited Friends of the Nation (FoN) and some of its implementing partners of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), and were hosted in FoN’s conference room. Prior to this, the President and his entourage made a stop at Anlo Beach to observe the mangrove restoration intervention by FoN, the community and the Shama District Assembly (SDA).

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  • Marine Police Training Curriculum Friends of the Nation 1 April 2016

    This curriculum is an introductory course meant to prepare fisheries enforcement officers by providing basic information about Ghana’s marine fisheries sector. Although this curriculum is not intended to be a complete course for marine fisheries enforcement, it provides very useful information that will prepare enforcement officers to understand Ghana’s marine environment, the importance of marine fisheries to Ghana, the basic offences and the areas of the fisheries laws that relates to those offences.

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  • Resilience Planning Workshop for Pra Estuary. Friends of the Nation 31 March 2016

    Report on Pra estuary resilience planning.

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  • SFMP Progress Report. January 1 to March 31, 2016. Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2016

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Year 2 (January 01, 2016 to March 31, 2016). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP

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  • Progress Report. January 1 to March 31, 2016 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2016

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, and lessons learned during the second quarter of Year 2 (January 01, 2016 to March 31, 2016). It also explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Household at Risk Tool Training Workshop Report. Adeborna, D. 30 March 2016

    SNV Ghana and the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fishery Management Project (SFMP) believe that children should enjoy all their basic rights including the right to education, right to play and the rights to family life. Children should not be subjected to hazardous or dangerous works or be coerced to move from one place to the other to be exploited. In line with this, the project aims to support livelihood activities targeted at vulnerable households most likely to engage in child labor and trafficking, under the premise that economic hardship is the root cause of the problem. SNV developed a “Households at Risk Tool.” The Child Labor Household at risk tool is a matrix used for identifying households susceptible to child labor in a particular community. SNV trained partners and identified stakeholders on the use of the tool on Wednesday 23rd March 2016.

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  • Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Design a Citizen Watch on Water Initiative for Fisheries Co-management in Ghana SSG Advisors. 19 March 2016

    Workshop for stakeholders in Ghanaian fisheries sector to co-design a framework for a citizen watch program.

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  • Study Tour to the Volta Region Doku, D., Owusu, A., Gormey, B. 1 March 2016

    The objectives of the study tour were to expose participants to some of the different management systems practiced in the Region and to promote Co-management of resources at the Ankobra. As part of efforts by the SFMP to sustain these resources through a co-management approach, a replanting activity at the Ankobra estuarine area has been scheduled, in other to sustain the efforts, there was the need for the people of Ankobra area to be able to see the need to manage and sustainably harvest these resources.

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  • Evaluation Report on Morrison Stoves Avega, B., Nsiah, A., Kwarteng, E. 1 March 2016

    Based on the successes Under SNV’s previous Improved Fish Smoking project, SNV introduced and promoted the improved Morrison fish smoking stoves to the new Sustainable Fisheries Management Project as a potentially scalable support programme towards improving the livelihood of fish processors.

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  • Regional Study Tour on Women’s Empowerment and Post-Harvest Improvements Coastal Resources Center 29 February 2016

    Report on women's roles in the fishery sector, a study tour in The Gambia.

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  • Refresher Training for TCPD Staff Report Mensah J. C, Nortey D. D. N. and Kankam S. 25 February 2016

    The refresher training is one of the activities aimed at reactivating the Western region GIS Data Hub to function more effectively as the central clearinghouse of all spatial data in the region. The specific objectives for the 2-day training were to review the functionality of the GIS data Hub and identify possible solutions to issues of concern and to introduce the use of Quantum GIS for basic data collection and mapping purposes

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  • Business Model Training in Shama, Ankobra and Axim Daasgift Quality Foundation 10 February 2016

    In line with Daasgift-led fisheries value chain improvement and livelihoods in Western Region focusing on Ankobra and Pra estuary, eight (8) - week Business Model Training was organized in three towns namely; Shama (Apo and Bentsir), Axim and Ankobra. The training focused on eight topics, that were developed from a Training Needs Assessment conducted for selected MSMEs in the three towns. A training Manual developed previously was reviewed and used as a guide by the facilitators for the entire duration of the program. Two days were allocated in every week, that is, Wednesdays (Shama and Axim) and Thursdays (Ankobra).

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  • Rebuilding Depleted Small Pelagic Stocks in Ghana. A Closed Fishing Season Proposal to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. The Scientific and Technical Working Group. Lazar, N., Yankson K, Blay J., Ofori-Danson P., Markwei, P., Agbogah, K., Bannerman, P., Sotor, M., Yamoah, K. K., Bilisini, W. B. 1 February 2016

    This paper outlines a proposal for a closed fishing season developed by the STWG with considerations of input from stakeholders through an intensive series of consultative meetings held by Friends of the Nation (FoN) for SFMP. The proposal was conceived to highlight the alarming declining status of the fisheries resources in Ghana, and to request immediate and urgent action to stop overfishing with a plan to reverse the downward trends in order to rebuild fish stocks which are already near collapse.

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  • Partnership Strategy Coastal Resources Center. 1 February 2016

    Strategic Partnerships bring together SFMP project resources with leading multinational and Ghanaian companies, business associations, foundations and government agencies in a collaborative effort that advances SFMP project goals. Resources from both SFMP and partners may come in the form of funding, expertise, technology, human resources, or brand leverage. Strategic Partnerships will be governed by Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which will define overall partnership goals, resource contributions, responsibilities and partnership governance.

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  • Gender mainstreaming in fisheries management, a training manual Torell, E., Owusu, A., and Okyere Nyako, A. 30 January 2016

    How gender is mainstreamed throughout the Ghanaian fisheries sector.

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  • Ankobra Vulnerability Assessment Information Dissemination Workshop Report. Kankam S, Mensah C.J, Owusu A.A, Gormey B. 19 January 2016

    This information-sharing workshop was held at Esiama, in the Ellembelle district in Western Region of Ghana as a direct follow-up on the vulnerability assessment validation workshop conducted for the five estuarine communities of the Ankobra Estuary catchment area. The purpose of workshop was to share the assessments (spatial options analysis, Ankobra climate vulnerability assessment) and relevant information on the Ankobra area with key stakeholders and foster a collaborative approach to finding lasting solutions to identified issues.

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  • USAID/Ghana SFMP Gender Mainstreaming in Fisheries Management: A Training Manual Torell, E., Owusu, A., and Okyere Nyako, A. 15 January 2016

    As a basis for the gender mainstreaming activities of SFMP, a detailed gender analysis focusing on the fisheries sector and value chain was conducted and formed the basis for the gender strategy. This gender mainstreaming manual will assist the SFMP partners as they work to mainstream gender into fisheries co-management. It is a tool for implementing the project’s gender mainstreaming strategy.

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  • DAA Training Center Environmental Compliance Review Netherlands Development Organisation. 1 January 2016

    Working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission, USAID/Ghana SFMP aims to end overfishing of key stocks important to local food security through a multi-pronged approach: * Improved legal enabling conditions for co-management, use rights and effortreduction strategies * Strengthened information systems and science-informed decision-making * Increased constituencies that provide the political and public support needed to rebuild fish stocks * Implementation of applied management initiatives for several target fisheries ecosystems

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  • Developing Capacity in Spatial Planning. Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2016

    It is quite evident that Ghana needs a coastal zone management program that can address critical issues of coastal erosion and frequent flooding events and other coastal development challenges. Over the next several years and decades, the costs of dealing with these issues will soar upwards. The SFMP and the Fisheries Commission and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development are interested in the well-being of fishing communities and needed access to safe and secure areas for them to conduct their food production activities, fisheries development programs therefore should take an integrated approach and support development of resilient communities that can cope and adapt to living in dynamic coastal zones. In addition, there is a need to maintain areas for local food production to serve as a form of food bank. Many agricultural and fish production areas are being converted to plantation agriculture, industrial and residential development and tourism resorts, resulting in increasing scarcity of places for local coastal communities to live, grow their own food, and sell it locally.

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  • Dialogue Supporting the Directive Actions of the National Fisheries Management Plan 2015-2019 Lazar, N. 1 January 2016

    The Council will increase awareness and positive engagement of fishermen through Fishermen to Fishermen (F2 F) consultation process and an education campaign to rebuild depleted fish stocks and recoup lost yield and revenues. The Council will encourage mass participation by its members in the implementation of the fisheries management plan. This will change fishermen’s attitude and behavior with regards to fishing practices and allows a sense of ownership so that fishermen stop regarding fisheries regulations as some alien restraint imposed on them by government.

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  • Terms of Reference for Fishing Capacity Assessment Workshop Methods for Measuring and Managing Fishing Effort Lazar N. 1 January 2016

    The Goal of the workshop is to create a better understanding of the management strategy evaluation of fishing effort in the context of industrial and artisanal fisheries of Ghana. Ultimately, the objective of the workshop is to discuss and develop a strategy for effort reduction and provide recommendations on the process of implementation by the national fisheries management plan.

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  • Report On Hygienic Fish Handling and Packaging Training Antwi. H 1 January 2016

    The training was practical; this enabled all participants to own the training programme. Participants processed fish, packaged and labeled them neatly. They were of the view that the label alone on the neatly packaged fish can increase their sales as interested individuals could get quick access to them. The participants quoted a high price for the improved packaged fish under hygienic environment; indicating that quality goes with high price.

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  • National Gender Mainstreaming Strategy For The Fisheries Sector. Accra, Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) 1 January 2016

    By analysing the value chain, it becomes obvious that even though women participate at certain stages of the value chain (fish market, processor, restaurants/catering and retailers), the fisheries sector is essentially male dominated. This means that the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (GMS) has to look at each of the stages of the value chain to identify entry points for promoting women’s active participation at all levels of the value chain.

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  • Cuttlefish key informant LEK report Asare C. and Nortey D. D. N 1 January 2016

    The objective of the key informant interview was to find out: * When the cuttlefish lay their eggs * Where fishermen harvest the cuttlefish * Where the harvesting is done * Variation in catch * Different spices harvested

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  • Progress Report, October 1 to December 31, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2015

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, lessons learned during the first quarter of Year2 (October 1 to December 30, 2015). It further explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP. SFMP implemented a total of 75 activities in the FY 16 first quarter. Implementation for the year commenced on October 01, 2015.

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  • Training Manual on use and maintenance of improved ovens Takyi, M. 31 December 2015

    Report on training course about improved fish cooking ovens.

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  • SFMP Progress Report, October 1 to December 31, 2015. Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2015

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, lessons learned during the first quarter of Year 2 (October 1 to December 30, 2015). It further explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • SFMP Success Story: Fishers Become Researchers in Fight to Restore Stocks Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 1 December 2015

    In the quest to rebuild Ghana’s fish stocks, some fishers are now helping conduct fish stock assessments.

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  • SFMP First Person Story: Child Labor Practitioner, Turned-Advocate Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 1 December 2015

    A mother in a fishing community in Ghana becomes an advocate for keeping children safe and in school.

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  • SFMP Before and After: From Ground to Tabletop Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 1 December 2015

    Fishers in Ghana abandon the ground to instead cut fish on clean table tops and improve hygiene and value of the fish products.

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  • Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Pilot Project Christopher Damon 1 December 2015

    To highlight the utility of UAV imagery for evaluating the health and preparedness of coastal ecosystems and infrastructure, a series of pilot studies (Figure 1) were conducted for priority areas identified through the USAID-funded Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP): • Mapping the fisheries value chain and economic development along the waterfront (Axim) • Shoreline change and vulnerability of coastal infrastructure (Sanwoma) • Wetland delineation and encroachment monitoring (Iture) The purpose of these pilots was to demonstrate to project partners how a UAV platform operates, the quality of the imagery than can be captured and the value these products hold for deriving additional data that can feed the policy and decision-making processes.

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  • Journalist Orientation in Central Region Friends of the Nation 1 December 2015

    Issues of Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) in the coastal-fishing communities in the Central Region of Ghana have gained notoriety since it has implications for many development issues as well. FoN as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project organized a one-day orientation program on the issue for Central Region based journalists and media houses in December of 2015.

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project Annual Progress Report, October 22, 2014 – September 30, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 30 November 2015

    The first Annual Report (Fy 2015) for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), a five-year project (October 2014-October 2019) is aimed at rebuilding marine fisheries stocks and catches through adoption of responsible fishing practices. The project contributes to the Government of Ghana’s fisheries development objectives and USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative. Working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission, USAID/Ghana SFMP aims at ending overfishing of key stocks which are important to local food security.

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  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group Strategy Workshop Report Entee, S. 30 November 2015

    Workshop report details a workshop conducted by the ICT group formed to advance SFMP objectives and support Government of Ghana goals.

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  • Ghanaian Trawler Fleet Study Tour of US Fisheries Leadership Castro, K., Skrobe, L., Somers, B. 30 November 2015

    Report on study tour for the Ghanaian Trawler Fleet.

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  • The Daily Graphic: Revamp the Fisheries Sector Asiedu-Addo, Shirley 30 November 2015

    The implementation of the SFMP has committed to ensuring that the nation rebuilds its stocks. A forum organized discussed the effective implementation of the national marine fisheries management plan, a national policy for the management of the marine fisheries sector.

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  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy Paper SSG Advisors 12 November 2015

    Outline of strategic partnership plan with descriptions of possible partners.

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  • National Fisheries Dialogue Hen Mpoano 2 November 2015

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and its implementing Agency, the Fisheries Commission (FC) on November 2 – 4, 2015 engaged fisheries stakeholders at Cape Coast to discuss the content of the newly gazetted National Marine Fisheries Management Plan (NMFMP) and how it could be effectively implemented to rebuild Ghana’s dwindling marine fisheries.

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  • Ahotor Oven Construction Manual Avega, B. 1 November 2015

    This manual is designed to give first-hand information on the steps, procedures, tools and materials that stove builders require to construct an Ahotor oven. It outlines the basic steps involved in the construction of the oven based on field testing and experience. This interactive manual is developed in simple language with sketches that can easily be understood.The design of the manual is intended to provide practical information and teaching aid for stove builders and technical knowledge in constructing the Ahotor oven to specification.

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  • Post-Harvesting Loss Reduction Study Report Dapaah, G., Samey, B. 31 October 2015

    Study of post-harvest loss reduction in four coastal fishing communities in Ghana.

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  • Local Forum On Improved Smoking Stoves. Kankam, M. 31 October 2015

    Report on meeting to identify and improve fish smoking technologies in Shama and Axim.

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  • MSMEs Identification and Screening Report in Ankobra Estuary and Shama Old Town Daasgift Quality Foundation. 31 October 2015

    Report on meeting about designing an identification and screening guide for Ankobra estuary and Shama Old Town

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  • Report on Sanitation Assessment to Explore Opportunities and Viability of Trashy Bag Business at Ankobra Estuaries Swanzy, S. 31 October 2015

    Assessment report on plastic waste in coastal Ghana.

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  • Report on MSMEs Training Needs Assessment for Ankobra and Pra Estuaries. Swanzy, S. 31 October 2015

    Training needs assessment report for MSMEs.

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  • Results of field survey for the small pelagic fisheries profile Asare, C., Nortey, D.D.N., Lazar N, Kankam, S. and Agbogah, K. 31 October 2015

    Report of preliminary survey results of a field survey of fishermen and fisherwomen.

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  • Report on Needs of MSMEs in Elmina, Moree and Anlo Takyi, M., Buabeng, J., Antwi, H. 31 October 2015

    Report on training needs for value chain and livelihood improvements in coastal Ghana.

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  • Ankobra Estuarine Community Climate Vulnerability Assessment Mensah J, Amoako O.A, Kankam, S. 30 October 2015

    Complimentary analysis of climate vulnerability in five estuarine communities of the Ankobra River.

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  • Child Labour Literature Review and Scoping Study Report Adeborna, D., Johnson, K. 30 October 2015

    Review of child labour and trafficking in Ghanaian fisheries sector.

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  • Child Labour Curriculum Design Adeborna, D. 30 October 2015

    Scanned version of anti-child labour curriculum design publication prepared by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation.

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  • Child Labour Factsheet Adeborna, D. 30 October 2015

    Child labour and trafficking factsheet.

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  • SFMP Information Agbey, S., Tsikata, S. 30 October 2015

    Information about the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project in Ghana, 2014-2019.

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  • Post-harvest Processing Stove Performance Report Entee, S. 30 October 2015

    Findings from a Controlled Cooking Test on various fish stoves based on locations in coastal Ghana.

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  • Fisheries Training Center Business Plan Otoo, A., Ajongbah, L., Samey, B. 30 October 2015

    Business plan for Fisheries Training Center for Development Action Association (DAA).

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  • Fisheries Training Center Consensus Building Workshop Report, 2015 Samey, B. 30 October 2015

    Workshop report to inform Development Action Association (DAA) members about the progress of the Fisheries Training Center.

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  • Post Harvest Processing Value Chain Literature Review Report Entee, S. 30 October 2015

    Literature survey to document all types of post-harvet fish processing in Ghana and internationally.

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  • Analysis of Spatial Planning Options: Ankobra Donkor, P., Agyemang, F. 29 October 2015

    Detailed examination of land uses along the Ankobra estuarine system and their implications for the current and future ecosystem health.

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  • Report of the Seventh Session of the Scientific Sub-Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic, Tenerife, Spain Lazar, N. 14 October 2015

    The purpose of the study is to identify the genetic structure of the sardinella fish stocks between Morocco and Angola for management purposes. The terms of reference for the study were presented to the seventh session of the CECAF Scientific Sub-Committee in Tenerife, Spain from 14-16 October 2015.

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  • Fisheries Management Plan of Ghana: A National Policy for the Management of the Marine Fisheries Sector, 2015-2019 Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ghana 1 October 2015

    The Ghana Government is fully committed to implementing a robust Fisheries Management Plan to ensure long term conservation of its fish stocks whilst at the same time contributing to improved food and nutritional safety at a national level. The goal of the Management Plan is to rebuild fish stocks to enhance the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities, create employment within national and international frameworks and standards and improve food security as well as contribute to GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The Management Plan has been developed to meet the following key objectives: i. to reduce the excessive pressure on the fish stocks; ii. to ensure that fish stocks within the marine waters of Ghana are exploited within biologically acceptable levels; iii. to ensure that effective fisheries legislation is implemented to protect the nation’s fish resources; iv. to protect marine habitats and bio-diversity; v. to contribute to enhancing export opportunities and strengthening value addition; vi. to strengthen participatory decision making in fisheries management(co-management); and vii. to meet regional and international obligations in fisheries management. Text in this document is based on the officially gazetted Fisheries Management Plan of Ghana, published on October 2015.

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  • Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report, 2015 Owusu, A. 1 October 2015

    During the FY 2015 of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), an Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) was prepared and approved by USAID. The EMMP complies with 22 CFR 216 and was prepared based on the revised USAID’s Ghana Economic Growth Portfolio Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) which was already in place for the (SFMP). This document reports on implementation of the plan during 2015.

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Year 2 Work Plan, October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016. Coastal Resources Center 1 October 2015

    This is the approved Year 2 work plan for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. The project purpose is to “Rebuild targeted fish stocks through adoption of sustainable practices and exploitation levels.” This project will forge a campaign that builds a constituency for change that captures the support of high-level decision makers and politicians as well as grass-roots fishermen, fishmongers and processors. To achieve sustainable fishing practices and exploitation levels, reduced fishing effort or harvest must occur in order to end overfishing. This, over the longer term, will lead to safeguards of sufficient spawning biomass to produce higher and more sustainable fishing yields. This signals to stakeholders and beneficiaries a causal chain and time lag between ending overfishing and improved stock biomass, and ultimately, improved fish yields and profitability (household income).

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  • Anti-Child Labor and Trafficking Field Survey Report Friends of the Nation 30 September 2015

    Child Labor and Trafficking exists in Ghana’s fisheries sector and is found widely in the Central Region. To understand the nature, severity, and root drivers of CLaT issues in the CR, a series of studies and assessments were conducted through comprehensive literature reviews and field surveys. This report presents the findings of those surveys.

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  • Fuel Wood Value Chain Report Darko Obiri. B, Owusu-Afriyie, K., Kwarteng E,, Nutakor E, 30 September 2015

    Analysis of the fuelwood value chain for the fish smoking industry in four coastal regions of Ghana.

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  • Fisheries Training Center Needs Assessment Otoo, A., Ajongbah., L., Samey. B. 30 September 2015

    Needs assessment report to develop a business plan for a Fisheries Training Center for Development Action Association (DAA).

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  • Sardinella and Other Small Pelagic Value and Supply chain of the fishery sector, Ghana Nunoo, F.K.E., Asiedu, B., Kombat, E.O., Samey, B. 30 September 2015

    Assessment of te entire supply and value chain of Sardinella and other small pelagic fishes.

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  • Organizational Capacity Assessment Report for government and Public University Units Kent, K 30 September 2015

    Overview of perceptions by leaders, staff and key informants of each Government of Ghana unit's core purpose and approach.

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  • Annual Progress Report, October 22, 2014 – September 30, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 30 September 2015

    This progress report hereby details activities, results, lessons learned during for year 1(October 22, 2014 to September 30, 2015). It further explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • Small Pelagics Value Chain Study Validation Workshop Report, September 4, 2015 Samey, B. 4 September 2015

    This report documents the review of the sardinella value chain study was carried out in nine regions including the four coastal regions, the three Northern regions and the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions at the middle belt. It also involved regional countries such as Togo, Burkina Faso, La Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal and Guinea. The main stakeholders who were interviewed during the survey are all along the fisheries value chain, the fishermen, fish processors, fishing input dealers, fish retailers, fish traders, related government institutions and consumers. The study lasted for three months; June to August 2015. The objective of the study was to assess, into detail the entire value and supply chain (from net to plate) of Sardinella and other small pelagics taking into consideration relationships between actors and options for value addition.

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  • Rapid Partnership Appraisal and Partnership Prioritization Report Coastal Resources Center 1 September 2015

    Strategic partnerships with the private sector have the potential to play a critical role in helping Ghana SFMP meet its goals. In May-July 2015, SSG Advisors conducted a Rapid Partnership Appraisal (RPA) in the Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions of Ghana in order to identify high-value public-private partnership opportunities for Ghana SFMP. Through the RPA, SSG aimed to identify partnership opportunities with companies and other key stakeholders in Ghana, to leverage additional resources for the sustainable development of the country’s fisheries sector. As part of the RPA, SSG conducted over 70 interviews with multinational and Ghanaian companies, business associations, development projects, Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) and government institutions to better understand the interests and challenges of potential partners vis-à-vis SFMP objectives, and to begin to formulate possible partnership opportunities. SSG also interviewed each of the SFMP implementing partner organizations, to better understand project goals, vision, and priorities.

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  • Report on Multi-Stakeholder Meeting held on 23rd September 2015 at GNAT Hall, Cape Coast Buabeng, J. 1 September 2015

    As part of CEWEFIA’s activities under the SFMP, a multi-stakeholder meeting was organized to brief the stakeholders on the activities and achievements of Year One as well as present the activities to be carried out in Year Two. The meeting also aimed at discussing the way forward for the implementation of the SFMP.

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  • Report on MSMEs Small Business Development and Management Capacity Building Training Workshop at Shama Anlo Beach, Elmina and Moree from 17th-29th August, 2015 Opare-Addo, J., Smith, N. 31 August 2015

    Report on the activities undertaken during a six day small business development and management course.

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  • Community Champions / Advocates Orientation Guide on Child Labour and Trafficking (ClaT). Takyi, M. 31 August 2015

    Guide to analyze child labour and trafficking in Ghanaian fisheries.

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  • Leadership in Fisheries Management Course Curriculum. Castro, K., Ricci, G. 31 August 2015

    Course curriculum to create a strategy to implement fisheries management in Ghana.

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  • Leadership in Fisheries Management Course Report Ricci, G., Castro, K. 31 August 2015

    Report on course to create a strategy for implementing fisheries management in Ghana.

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  • MSME Small Business Development and Management Training Ayiglo, G, Aziebor, E. 30 August 2015

    Training materials for small business management.

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  • SFMP Community Champions/Advocates Orientation Guide on Child Labour and Trafficking (CLaT) CEWEFIA 11 August 2015

    A guide to creating community advocates for integrating family planning into local fishing village culture in Ghana.

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  • Media Orientation Workshop Report SNV, Netherlands Development Organisation, Coastal Resources Center. 5 August 2015

    This one day workshop brought together stakeholders such as the Fisheries Commission led by the Director of Projects, Mr. Thomas Insaidoo, Programs Coordinator of Friends of the Nation (FoN) Mr. Kyei Yamoah, Mrs. Sarah Naa Dedei Agbey and Senyo Tsikata of SNV and selected media houses. The objective of this workshop was to heighten awareness in environmental reporting relative to the fisheries sector, to sensitize participants on the alarming state of the fisheries sector and to create awareness of Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.

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  • The Stakeholder Association Leaders Meeting of Small Pelagic Options Friends of the Nation 1 August 2015

    Summary of fisheries stakeholder meetings to discuss management of small pelagic fish species.

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  • Baseline for Prosecution: Summary of Fisheries Arrests and Prosecution in the Western and Eastern Commands Friends of the Nation 1 August 2015

    The key objective of the project is to contribute to the rebuilding of Ghana’s marine fisheries stock (small pelagics) and catches through adoption of responsible fishing practices. Towards contributing to the above objective and as part of SFMP activities, baseline information was collated from Fisheries Commission to understand the trend of arrest and prosecution of marine fisheries cases and conduct analysis with the accessed data. This information will inform the implementation of the SFMP strengthened law enforcement component.

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  • Report on Forums on Improved Smoking Technologies Central and Western Region Fishmongers Improvement Association 1 August 2015

    As part of the SFMP’s activities outlined under IR 4.8 (Fisheries Value chain Improvements and Livelihoods development), three forums were organized on three separate dates at Shama Anlo Beach 14th August 2015, Elmina, 21st August 2015 and Moree 15th September 2015 to sensitize fish processors on the improved smoking technologies and the benefits to be derived from its adoption.

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  • USAID/Ghana SFMP Post-Harvest Processing Stove Performance Report SNV 31 July 2015

    This report presents the findings from a Controlled Cooking Test (CCT) on fish stoves in various fishing communities in Ghana as part of the SFMP for the promotion and adoption of clean cooking and other renewable energy technologies in support of fish processing industries, in order to enhance environmental sustainability and livelihoods. In addition, to ensure technology transfer, the activity serves as an opportunity for testing and comparing stove performance (energy and production efficiencies).

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  • Baseline Survey Report for Winneba and Apam Akutse, P., Samey, B. 31 July 2015

    Survey to determine the current status of Winneba and Apam, two fishing communities in coastal Ghana.

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  • Gender Mainstreaming Strategy Okyere Nyako, A., Owusu, A., and Torell, E. 30 July 2015

    The SFMP Gender Mainstreaming Strategy is an iterative process which will assess the potential impact of planned interventions for men and women as well as children engaged in fisheries along the central and western coast of Ghana. The objective of this is to ensure that both men and women are empowered to work effectively in fisheries management.

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  • Report On Training Course On Fish Stock Assessment Methods University Of Cape Coast Lazar, N. 6 July 2015

    This is one-week intensive training program in fish stock assessment methods for Ghanaians involved in fisheries assessment and management training program was intended to present theoretical elements in fish population dynamics and guide participants in putting theory into practice in managing fisheries resources. It was to provide instruction, demonstration, and exercises in fisheries stock assessment as applied to fishery resources. The main goal of the training was to strengthen the capacity of the Fisheries Commission and its partners in basic fish stock assessment techniques and prepare its professionals to take the next steps in stock assessment results and apply it to fisheries management.

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  • CLaT in Fisheries: Overview of the Ghanaian Situation Friends of the Nation 1 July 2015

    Discussions with the FC leadership (CR), the Department of Social Welfare in Accra, and local implementing partners during the designing stage of the SFMP, highlighted the problem of illegal child labor in fishing—especially in the CR. This includes both hazardous fisheries work by children under age 18 and child trafficking. During focus group discussions held during project design, participants reported that child labor and child trafficking is prevalent in the Central Region. Children are being sent to the Volta Lake region to engage in dangerous fishing practices and are never enrolled in school. Especially vulnerable are single female-headed households with many children. Migrant fishers often leave women to fend for themselves and their children, without money for school fees or food. Agents come offering relief in the form of payments and promises to care for the children, but then force them into hard physical labor in the lake fisheries. Coordinating closely with the Fisheries Commission Child Labor focal person in Accra, the SFMP will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the problem in the CR and identify communities and households most susceptible to such practices and root drivers of the problem. This work will involve a comprehensive literature review on the problem, identify current actors involved in addressing this issue, and conduct a number of community meetings as well as a household survey. Out of that, a behavior change communications initiative will be developed in the CR on the issue in an effort to make such practices socially unacceptable.

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  • Training Course Curriculum on Fish Stock Assessment Methods. Lazar, N. 1 July 2015

    The main goal of the training is to strengthen the capacity of the Fisheries Commission and its partners in basic fish stock assessment techniques and prepare its professionals to take the next steps in stock assessment results and apply it to fisheries management.

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  • SFMP Progress Report April 1 to June 30, 2015 Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island/SFMP Accra, Ghana 30 June 2015

    A quarterly report on the programmatic progress of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

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  • SFMP Philippines Study Tour Report Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island/SFMP Accra, Ghana 30 June 2015

    A report describing the experiences and lessons learned during a study tour to the Philippines by Ghana fisheries principals and members of the SFMP/Accra team.

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  • USAID/Ghana SFMP Gender Needs Asssessment Report Owusu, A., and Okyere Nyako, A. 30 June 2015

    The SFMP Gender Needs Assessment (GNA) identifies and analyses the specific needs of the men, women, boys, and girls who are involved in fishing, fish processing, and fish trading activities along the central and western coast of Ghana, specifically in Apam, Winneba, Axim, and Elmina. The GNA is part of a suite of gender documents being prepared under the SFMP and complements the Gender Analysis Report, which provides an overview of the roles of children, women and men in the fisheries sector in the project pilot areas.

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  • Gender Needs Assessment Report Okyere Nyako, A., Owusu, A., and Torell, E. 30 June 2015

    Identification and analysis of specific needs of men, women, and children involved in the Ghanaian fisheries sector.

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  • CLaT World Day Against Child Labour Adeborna, D. 30 June 2015

    Report on World Day Against Child Labour event.

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  • Post Harvesting Processing Scoping Study Report Entee, S. 30 June 2015

    Evaluation of fishing communities in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana.

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  • Post-Harvest Process Characterization Studies and Needs Assessment Report on Fish Smoking and Salting of Fish Entee, S. 30 June 2015

    Findings from post-harvest fish processing technologies including smoking and salting.

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  • Progress Report, April 1 – June 30, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2015

    This Progress Report for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) covers the second quarter of the FY 15 fiscal year (Project Year 1) encompassing the period from April 1, to May 30, 2015. Activities implemented during this reporting period included the project launch event that took place in Takoradi April 28 and more.

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  • Exchange Visit for TCPD Officers: Workshop Report, June 29-30, 2015 Mensah, J., Amoakoh, A.O., Kankam, S. 30 June 2015

    Report of workshop to replicate the Data Hub that occurred in the Central Region.

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  • SFMP Progress Report, April 1 – June 30, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 30 June 2015

    This publication details the the third quarter, Year One progress of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

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  • SFMP Ghana Fisheries Gender Analysis Torell, E.; Owusu, A.; Okyere Nyako, A. 26 June 2015

    This publication provides a detailed gender analysis report focusing on Ghana's fisheries sector and value chain. The analysis will for the basis for a gender strategy and supporting activities as part of the SFMP.

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  • Small Pelagic Fisheries Profile Refresher Training Asare C, Kankam S, Lazar N, Dovlo E, Nortey D.D.N, Mensah J 26 June 2015

    The objective of the training was to develop sampling protocol and sample size by region; share emerging lessons and challenges from canoe enumeration and modify survey protocol as necessary.

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  • Study Tour to the Philippines SSG Advisors 1 June 2015

    Twenty Ghanaian fisheries stakeholders attended a Study Tour to the Philippines to learn about sustainable fishing practices.

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  • A Formative Assessment of the USAID/Ghana SFMP Gender Mainstreaming Strategy Bilecki, D. Torell, E. Owusu, A. 1 June 2015

    This report presents the findings of an assessment conducted to gauge the impacts of SFMP’s gender mainstreaming strategy. The assessment is based on document review as well as qualitative data collection (focus groups and key informant interviews) conducted in June 2018. Results indicate that SFMP’s activities have brought about positive changes in the way project beneficiaries perceive women’s role in fisheries, how SFMP’s female beneficiaries feel about themselves and their role in the sector, how partner organizations relate to women in fisheries, and how partner organizations operate. Comparing the achievements in relation to the timeframe (3 years), it is clear that the project has been successful in moving the needle on gender mainstreaming.

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  • Child Labor and Trafficking Assessment Tool Presentation Adeborna, D. 1 June 2015

    This is a collection of slides used in child labor and anti-trafficking presentations.

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  • Fuelwood Value Chain Analysis Literature Review Report Kwarteng, E. 31 May 2015

    Meta-analysis of literature relevant for Ghana woodfuel value chain.

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  • Momentum-Research & Innovation — Lives in the Balance: Protecting Our Planet’s Coastal Communities University of Rhode Island Division of Research and Economic Development, Bruce Mason 30 May 2015

    This magazine article focuses on CRC's Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) in Ghana, led by CRC's Brian Crawford.

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  • Small Pelagic Fisheries Data Collection: Orientation Training Report Asare, C., Owusu, A.A., Kankam, S., Nortey D.D.N 30 May 2015

    Trainings for small pelagic fisheries data collectors.

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  • Western Regions Fisheries Working Group Friends of the Nation 12 May 2015

    Summary of meeting to ensure support for the Western Region Fisheries Working Group.

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  • Small Pelagic Fisheries Data Collection: Orientation Training Manual Kankam, Stephen, Asare, Cephas, Nortey, Daniel, Mensah, Justice. Agbogah, Kofi, Lazar, Najih. 5 May 2015

    Training manual for people that collect data on Ghana's small pelagic fishery.

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  • Memorandum of Understanding Between the University of Rhode Island, USA, and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana University of Cape Coast and University of Rhode Island 5 May 2015

    This Memorandum of Understanding establishes cooperative relations to develop academic and cultural interchange in education, research, and other areas, between the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and the University of Rhode Island

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  • Report on Competencies for Enforcement Glenn Ricci 1 May 2015

    International Technical Assistance Trip Report by Glenn Ricci related to the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project activities IR 1 Strengthened Enabling Environment for Marine Resources Governance; and IR2 Science and Research Applied to Policy and Management.

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  • Maiden Meeting of Western Region Fisheries Working Group (W/R-FWG), 2015 Friends of the Nation 1 May 2015

    The members of the Western Regional Fisheries Working Group met at the Conference Room of the Fisheries Commission, Takoradi. This meeting sought to ensure a continued support for the Western Region Fisheries Working Group (W/R FWG). The W/R FWG was formed during the previous USAID supported ‘Integrated Coastal Fisheries Governance (ICFG) Initiative’ to serve an advisory role to the region's Fisheries Directorate. The Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) decided to continue supporting the group.

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  • Literature Review On Sardinella Value Chain Samey, B. 30 April 2015

    Meta-analysis of fishery sector literature with a focus on small pelagic fishes.

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  • Issue Brief: Ghana’s Small Pelagic Fishery in Crisis National and Regional Food Security at Risk Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 28 April 2015

    National and regional food security at risk. Brief provides overview of threats to Ghana's small pelagic fishery, methods for addressing them and how the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) will help solve the problem.

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  • Momentum-Research & innovation- Lives in the Balance: Protecting our Planet’s Coastal Communities Mason, B 1 April 2015

    Last October, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a $24 million grant — the largest in URI’s history — to the CRC to lead a five-year sustainable fisheries project in Ghana, West Africa. The objective of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project is to rebuild key marine fisheries stocks through responsible fishing practices. The project aims to set up a legal framework to protect the fisheries, develop more effective management plans and educate policymakers and the public.

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  • SWOT Analysis Workshop For Shama District Agriculture and Coastal Management Sub- Committee Friends of the Nation 1 April 2015

    In the scoping and literature review, there were some essential information identified. And in that was a SWOT Analysis to be conducted of key local institutions identified during the scoping and literature review and this will help develop and build capacity building initiative for these local institutions. In view of this, Friends of the Nation organized a SWOT Analysis workshop with the Agriculture and Coastal Resource Management Sub-Committee which was one of the local institutions in the Shama District identified during the scoping and literature review. The workshop took place at the Conference Room of the Shama District Assembly on April 19, 2016 around 10:12 am.

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  • Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 31 March 2015

    This document serves as the project's Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, a tool for planning, managing, evaluation and documenting progress towards achieving the goals of the project.

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  • SFMP Progress Report, January 1 – March 31, 2015. Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2015

    This publication details the the second quarter, Year One progress of the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP)

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  • Year 1 Quarter 2 Progress Report, January 1 – March 31, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 31 March 2015

    This Progress Report for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) covers the second quarter of the FY 15 fiscal year (Project Year 1) encompassing the period from January 1 through March 31, 2015. The main activities during this reporting period were project start up activities.

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  • SFMP Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. Coastal Resources Center 1 March 2015

    This document serves as the project's Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, a tool for planning, managing, evaluation and documenting progress towards achieving the goals of the project.

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  • Central Region Coastal-Fishing Communities Anti Child Labor and Trafficking Sensitization Program Friends of the Nation 1 March 2015

    The team was able to facilitate a successful engagement with the communities. It also succeeded to get a pool of volunteers in each community who volunteered to act as Community Anti-CLaT Advocates and Whistle-blowers. The volunteers will be further supported and resourced to reduce the incidence of CLaT the communities, and promote human rights, and the welfare of children.

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  • Child Labor and Trafficking (CLaT) Assessment Tool Workshop Report. Adeborna, D. 1 March 2015

    The aims of this CLaT Assessment Tool workshop were to identify and start collaborative work with partners, stakeholders and the communities. To identify the knowledge gap in child labor and trafficking and to train partners and stakeholders on what constitutes child labor and child trafficking and the socio cultural context in Ghana. Provide partners and stakeholders with the capacity to address child labor and trafficking and to promote children's rights. To help project partners and stakeholders to complete a systemic assessment of child labor and trafficking in the most vulnerable communities and households in Central Region.

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  • Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP): Partners Meeting Report Patricia Aba Mensah, SFMP 28 February 2015

    This report outlines the presentations and activities of the initial partners meeting in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 25 and 26, 2015, and details the agenda, outputs and participants.

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  • The USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Partners Meeting Report, February 25-26, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 26 February 2015

    This report outlines the presentations and activities of the initial partners meeting in Accra, Ghana, on Feb. 25 and 26, 2015, and details the agenda, outputs and participants.

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  • Canoes Authorization Cards and Control of New Entrants of Canoes. Apetorgbor S. 1 February 2015

    This proposal entailed the introduction of Canoe Authorization Cards as tool for regulating access. The proposed project was reviewed and approved for funding in SFMP’s year 4 and subsequent year work plan (FY18).

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP): In Brief Carol McCarthy, CRC; Patricia Aba Mensah, SFMP 31 January 2015

    A brief description of the USAID/Ghana funded five-year sustainable fisheries project launched in October 2014.

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  • USAID/Ghana SFMP Branding and Marking Plan Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 31 January 2015

    Details of the branding and marking plan for the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, a five-year initiative that aims to rebuild the fisheries in the West African nation of Ghana to ultimately benefit tens of thousands of stakeholders.

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  • Baseline of Fisheries Prosecutions in the Western and Eastern Commands Friends of the Nation 14 January 2015

    Baseline information for marine fisheries prosecution cases in Central and Western Regions of Ghana.

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  • Small Pelagic Fisheries Profile: Preliminary Analysis of Regional Results Lazar N., Asare C., Nortey D. D. N., Kankam S., & Agbogah K. 1 January 2015

    This report is the preliminary result of regional analyses for the small pelagic fisheries profile under the USAID-funded Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) in Ghana. The overall objectives of the small pelagic fisheries profile are to guide fishery management strategies, potential fisheries capacity control and reduction plans, economic development initiatives (post-harvest), infrastructure investments and community and marine fisheries spatial planning and support Fisheries Commission with updated information on both fishermen and fish processors.

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  • MSME Training Report: Eight Week MSME Training For Ankobra, Axim And Shama Fisherfolk Daasgift Quality Foundation 1 January 2015

    The objective of the program is to mobilize resources through savings, * financial management, *planning and credit activities with a view to improving the socio-economic conditions the community members for diversified livelihoods.

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  • Toward a Sustainable Fishery: Action Options Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2015

    Supporting the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the USAID Ghana Sustainable Management Project (SFMP) is a five-year initiative that aims to rebuild targeted marine fisheries through the adoption of sustainable fishing practices. SFMP has identified a suite of Action Options toward achieving these goals and is describing each option to stakeholders in a series of briefs. The planning process now must move from discussion of problems toward developing a consensus of how to secure a rebuilt, healthy small pelagic fishery. Stakeholders must debate and decide on potential science-based options, listed above, and act.

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  • Baseline Study Of The Demersal Fisheries In The Western Region (Pra And Ankobra) Fynn-Korsah S., Effah E., Lazar N. 1 January 2015

    The purpose of the study is to establish a baseline fisheries assessment on key demersal species in the Western Region. In addition, a pilot project on cooperative research with fishermen and other stakeholders was initiated involving 12 fishermen.

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  • USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2015

    Working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission, USAID/Ghana SFMP aims to end overfishing of key stocks important to local food security through a multi-pronged approach

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  • Before and After: From the Ground to Tabletop Krugar, M 1 January 2015

    Safer and healthier ways to conserve fish for consumption. Due to less and less fish being landed, the fish that are need to be handled with care. Fishers abandon the ground and started cutting the fish on clean table tops.

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  • First Person Story: Child Labor Practitioner, Turned Advocate Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2015

    Araba Takyiwa is a beneficiary of the USAID/SFMP Anti-Child Labor Campaign. In need of money, she trafficked out her sons and daughter. She has not yet been able to relocate her daughter but was able to find her sons. Araba now sends her sons to school and is spreading the word throughout the community, helping others see the longer term benefits to their children, families and communities when children stay in school.

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  • Success Story: Fishers Become Researchers in Fight to Restore Stocks Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2015

    Raymond Annan is a fisherman from Sekondi and also a member of he collaborative fish research team. Now, as he hauls his catch, he records with hash marks on paper the number of fish he catches in each of the four key species. He cuts them open and records their sex, size and maturity of the eggs if females. Raymond also takes photos. This all helps rebuild the stocks.

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  • Report of the Training in Biological Fisheries Sampling and Data Management Lazar N. 1 January 2015

    The purpose of the training is to enhance skills and knowledge of the Fisheries Commission, FSSD in biological sampling and data management. The trainees had the opportunity to go through a series of lectures on biological techniques supported by hands on exercises. The training provided an overview of sampling techniques, measuring lengths, weights and collecting age and growth information. This was followed with a training in database systems and database development using MS Access.

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  • Report on Identification of MSMEs in Elmina, Moree and Anlo Smith N; Opare-Addo J; Buabeng J; Takyi M. 1 January 2015

    This report was aimed to report on the need of business development services for targeted communities. The goal was to identify, screen and select Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for business development training.

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  • Apam and Winneba Sensitisation Workshop Report Sasu L., Asare A., Ayensua N. 1 January 2015

    This report is aimed towards sensitization workshops, which seek to bring together all stakeholders within Apam and Winneba associated with fisheries. The objective was to create awareness of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project and gain the acceptance and support of the people and institutions at Apam and Winneba.

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  • Monitoring Report On MSMEs Activities In Elmina, Moree, and Anlo Takyi, M. 1 January 2015

    This monitoring exercise was to observe how these MSMEs were applying the knowledge gained in their daily activities. MSMES were visited at their work places to inspect their activities to ensure that they are using the right methods in smoking their fish and also if they had stopped the negative practices such as using empty cement papers to pack their fish for the market.

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  • Report on Community Town Hall Meeting at Moree in Abura-Asebu- Kwamankese District of Central Region Opare-Addo, J.; Antwi, H. 1 January 2015

    This report was on a meeting that was aimed to create awareness on the SFMP to all the stakeholders and the benefits of the project to the community and to debrief stakeholders on the role of CEWEFIA in the project. Within the meeting there was participation of all government agencies, community stakeholders, fishermen, fish processors, women’s groups, whom had related comments and asked critical questions show their willingness to support the USAID/SFMP.

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  • Training Needs Assessment Tools for MSMEs Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2015

    This document includes the competency assessment and general training assessment tools used by Daasgift Quality Foundation in preparing their programs for Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises.

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  • Initial Stakeholder Engagements in 2015 SNV 1 January 2015

    This paper reports on initial stakeholder engagement efforts by the Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management project. The SFMP team is working on this project to end overfishing of key stocks important to local food security through a multi-pronged approach. Some of the stakeholder’s concerns include the issue of Chinese trawlers fishing in Ghanaian waters. Other issues brought up include how poverty level in the fishing community is very high to the extent that fishermen sell their children out to other fishermen along the Volta. SNV has contacted the traditional Chiefs for communities, the District Assemblies, the Fisheries officers, and the Business Advisory centers under the Rural Enterprise program for both communities. Fish processing groups and fishermen associations have been met in both communities. Also the Central Region Fishermen and Fish processors association (CENFA) has been identified and other organisations such as Challenging Heights, Plan Ghana and International Needs have also been identified.

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  • Tigo Fishers’ Network Business Model SSG 1 January 2015

    Part of Millicom group, a leading international telecommunications and media company dedicated to emerging markets.

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  • Lessons Learned Report On IUU Video Screening Coastal Resources Center. 1 January 2015

    Videos produced in the Fante language on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing were screened in nine communities out of the selected fifteen communities planned. These communities include, Half Assini in Western Region and Komenda, Cape Coast, Moore, Biriwa, Ekumpoano, Otuam, Narkwa and Winneba. Hundreds of community members came out to witness these events.

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  • Terms of Reference Scientific and Technical Working Group (STWG) Lazar, N. 1 January 2015

    The STWG is a scientific group with an overarching mission to provide science-based management advice, which assures long-term sustainability of fish stocks based on the best available scientific information. The STWG strives to advance scientific assessments that guide fisheries managers and improve communication with stakeholders in order to promote best fishing practices.

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  • Progress Report, October 22 – December 31, 2015 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2014

    This is the first Progress Report for the SFMP covering the period from the project award start date through the end of the 2014 calendar year (October 22- December 31, 2014). As this reporting period covers start-up activities conducted in the first 11 weeks of the program, the normal requirements and contents of progress reports as per the cooperative agreement do not necessarily apply to this report. Nevertheless, the format for progress reports as stipulated in the Cooperative Agreement was used for this report.

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  • SFMP Progress Report, October 22 – December 31, 2014 Coastal Resources Center 31 December 2014

    This progress report details activities, results, and lessons learned during the first quarter of Year 1 (October 22 – December 31, 2014). It explains how partners significantly contributed to the achievement of set targets and how these achievements will be sustained to meet the overarching goal of SFMP.

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  • SFMP Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan Coastal Resources Center 1 December 2014

    This document outlines the plan for environmental management and mitigation of project activities. The first section of the report provides information on the activities to be implemented by the SFMP over Life-of-Project (LoP) and the determinations for each used to develop the later section of this report: the Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan.

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  • USAID/Ghana Projet de Gestion Durable de la Pêche Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island 1 November 2014

    L’agence des États-Unis pour le développement international (USAID) a consacré 24 millions de dollars à la mise en oeuvre du projet USAID/Ghana de gestion durable de la pêche. L’objectif de ce projet de cinq ans (octobre 2014-octobre 2019) est de rétablir les stocks et les prises de pêche marine par une adoption de méthodes de pêche responsables. Le projet participe à l’accomplissement des objectifs du Ghana en matière de pê

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  • Award Document.The USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). US Agency for International Development 22 October 2014

    Document from USAID formally awarding the USAID/GHANA Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

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  • The USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) Year 1 Work Plan (October 2014-September 2015) Coastal Resources Center 1 October 2014

    This document lays out the objectives, activities and tasks for the first year of the USAID/Ghana SFMP.

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  • Fisheries Working Group Meeting in Central Region Friends of the Nation 13 May 2014

    Formation of a new Fisheries Working Group in the Central Region to promote stakeholder collaboration and enhance fisheries governance.

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  • Communications Strategy. Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2014

    This strategy serves as a plan to guide communications through the five-year tenure of the project and will be updated and amended at least semi-annually according to the dynamic nature of this project and its goals. The initial phase of SFMP concentrates primarily on rebuilding the small-pelagic fishery stocks through efforts and activities on the local, regional and national levels. Therefore, this initial communications strategy concerns itself with activities, publications, documents, messaging, audiences, events, etc. that have a direct impact on this priority fisheries objective.

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  • USAID/Ghana Projet de Gestion Durable de la Pêche Coastal Resources Center 1 January 2014

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  • REPORT ON THE 2013 GHANA MARINE CANOE FRAME SURVEY SAMANTHA AKYEAMPONG, KOFI AMADOR, BAETA NKRUMAH 1 July 2013

    The aim of the survey was to assess the size, structure and distribution of canoes in the marine artisanal sector, collect the basic data and information necessary for the processing of the marine annual artisanal fish production, collect socio-economic information on the marine artisanal sector and collect other information on the canoe fleet. The frame survey focused on detailed count and measurement of canoes and fishing gears, number of outboard motors, number of fishing villages and landing beaches, number of fishermen. Other parameters that were also considered included the cost of fishing inputs, fish sharing system, migration patterns and other socio-economic information for the month of May 2013 in all landing sites when there was less migration of canoe and fishermen between landing centers. This document was prepared by the Ghana Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. FISHERIES COMMISSION, Fisheries Scientific Survey Division and is included on this website for reference purposes only.

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