Assessing the potential of inland fisheries’ contributions to rural livelihoods

Abstract

South Africa’s post 1994 democratic government is under increasing pressure to address the persisting challenges of rural poverty, inequality and unemployment. Therefore, the need to realise the socio-economic potential of South Africa’s inland fisheries has become urgent. While it is important to ensure that rural communities derive optimum value from freshwater fisheries, this positive transition needs to be undertaken without jeopardising the sustainability of resource. A recently completed Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project investigated inland fisheries contributions to rural livelihoods by assessing fisheries potential, market value chains and governance arrangements.

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