Although the fishing and aquaculture sector is becoming increasingly important in Somalia, it remains marginal in terms of overall economic output. The sector contributes only 1% to 2% of the national GDP. Despite its small contribution at the national level, fisheries play a crucial role in Somalia’s coastal economies by providing jobs, income, and food. FAO FishStat reports that total fish production has stagnated at around 30,000 tons annually over the past decade.
The fishery sector holds limited significance within the overall economy. Exports of fishery products make up only 3% of total exports, and the sector’s share in GDP is approximately 2%. On average, fish provides less than one gram of protein per person per day. In the pre-war era, particularly in 1989, exports of fishery products generated $15 million annually. However, the civil war disrupted the steady growth of this trade, leading to its stagnation.
According to FAO FishStat data, total fish production has stagnated around 30,000 MT per year over the last decade
Total production of fisheries in Somalia in volume (in tons) 2014 –
Figure 1 – Source FAO Fishtat J (2000 -2011)
Fishing Sector and Its Role in Somalia’s Economy and Food Security
Low Economic Participation and Employment
The fishing sector in Somalia plays a limited role in the national economy. According to Kurien John and Lopez Rios Javier (2013), fish imports accounted for only 1.1% of food and agricultural imports in 2009. In the same year, fish exports made up just 0.7% of food and agricultural exports. This low participation in economic activity reflects the marginal position of fisheries in Somalia’s foreign trade figures.
Employment in the fisheries sector is also minimal. In 2005, the FAO estimated that 30,000 workers were employed full-time and 60,000 part-time in the industry. Bergh (2011) reported that less than 1% of Somalia’s population worked in fisheries, most of whom were involved in small-scale or subsistence fishing. These numbers highlight the need for better data to understand the sector’s full potential in job creation.
Fish Consumption and Domestic Supply
Somalia has one of the lowest fish consumption rates in Africa. FAO data from 2009 estimated per capita fish consumption at only 3.1 kg, far below the African average of 9.4 kg. Most of the fish supply comes from domestic production, and Somalia is a net exporter in terms of volume. However, imports have declined significantly since 2006. Despite this, unreported fishing remains widespread, meaning the actual fish supply could be underestimated. This highlights the need for more accurate data to understand the role of fish in Somalia’s dietary habits.
Fish consumption in Somalia (in live weight)
Figure 2 – Source FAO Fish and fishery product, world apparent consumption.
Food Security and Coastal Communities
At the national level, fisheries contribute little to Somalia’s food security. In 2009, fishery products provided only 3.1% of animal protein intake, compared to the African average of 19.1%. However, in coastal regions and fishing towns, fisheries are vital for livelihoods and food security. The daily protein intake from fish is steadily rising, reaching 0.9 grams per person in 2009. This indicates the growing importance of fish in local diets, especially for communities living near the coast.
Recommendations for Sector Improvement
To strengthen the role of fisheries in Somalia’s food security and economy, several measures should be considered. First, rebuilding storage and marketing facilities would improve fish preservation and reduce waste. Second, enhancing transportation infrastructure and providing better equipment for fishermen would improve market access. Additionally, training programs on fish processing and handling could increase efficiency and quality. Promoting fish consumption through awareness campaigns is also critical, along with developing proper legislation and policies to support the sector.
Conclusion
While the fishing sector in Somalia remains small in terms of economic contribution and food security, it holds significant potential. By addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and promoting domestic fish consumption, the sector could play a larger role in improving livelihoods and boosting the economy. With focused efforts, Somalia’s fisheries can become a more integral part of national development.
Reference
Khadija Hassan. 2012. A Review of Somalia’s (& Semi-Autonomous Regions) Fisheries Legislation & Management. SF/2011/11, IOC-SmartFish, 38 pp
Kurien, J and J. López Ríos, 2013, Flavouring Fish into Food Security. SF-FAO/2013/14, IOC-SmartFish Programme, FAO, 176 pp
Kurien John, Lopez Rios Javier. 2013. Fisheries and Food Security in the ESA-IO Region. Somalia Country Brief. IOC-SmartFish Programme, FAO
OECD, et al. (2013), «Somalia», in OECD/, African Economic Outlook 2013: Structural Transformation and Natural Resources, OECD Publishing, Paris. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/aeo-2013-41-en
Per Erik Bergh. 2012. Comprehensive Review of MCS Capacity In The ESA-IO Region, SF/2012/14, IOC-SmartFish Programme, 118 pp
Snijman, Phil. 2011. Review of the Legal Frameworks in the ESA-IO Region. SF/2011/13, IOC-SmartFish Programme, 151 pp
