JUL.-DEC. 2023
Mama Pweza, a member of the
Association of Women in Fisheries Blue
Economy Kenya, stands as a success
story, transforming the blue economy
through her dedicated work in octopus
fishing.
Since her teenage years, Mama Pweza
has been a skilled octopus fisherwoman
in the Shanga Ishakani village on
Pate Island, embodying agroecology
principles in fisheries and aquaculture.
Her
sustainable,
environmentally
friendly,
and
community-driven
practices serve as an inspiration for
those advocating for sustainable food
systems.
Engaging in octopus fishing alongside
fellow fisherwomen, Mama Pweza aims
to improve their families' livelihoods
while
safeguarding
ocean
areas
from
over-exploitation
and
coral
degradation.
Notably, they have implemented a four-
month closure of an octopus fishery to
allow for the growth and maturation of
octopuses, a crucial step for long-term
fishery sustainability.
Collaborating with men, Mama Pweza's
team also works on coral restoration
to enhance fishing site productivity,
benefiting
the
entire
community.
Mama Pweza's use of traditional, less
harmful fishing methods exemplifies
agroecology
in
action,
promoting
sustainable systems for the well-being
of both ecosystems and communities.
Results and Impact
Improved Resource Efficiency: Mama
Pweza and her team suspend octopus
fishing in zoned areas for four months,
allowing the octopus fishery to grow
and mature, which is essential for the
sustainability of the fishery.
Secured Social Equity/Responsibility:
Mama Pweza's team has challenged
gender
inequalities
by
creating
opportunities for women. Globally,
women make up almost half of
the
agricultural
workforce,
and
their
contributions
often
remain
unrecognized.
Fostered Community Participation and
Empowerment: Mama Pweza's team
has been empowered by the Northern
Rangelands Trust and the Nature
Conservancy through proper fishing
practices, conservation, and financial
management
Strengthened
Resilience:
Mama
Pweza's team has zoned two fishing
areas in the ocean and temporarily
suspends any fishing for four months.
No one is allowed to fish in these
"farms" in the ocean, which is a
strategy to increase the resilience of
the ecosystem.
Enhanced Biodiversity: Collaboration
with men to restore damaged coral
not only benefits the ecosystem but
also improves the productivity of
fishing sites, contributing to overall
biodiversity.
Promoted
Traditional
Knowledge
and Practices: The team adheres to
traditional fishing methods that are less
harmful to the ecosystem, promoting
the
preservation
and
continued
relevance of traditional knowledge in
sustainable resource management.
Conclusion
Mama Pweza's narrative serves as
a
compelling
illustration
of
how
agroecological practices have the
potential to revolutionize the fishing
industry and empower women within
coastal communities. Her sustainable
approach to octopus fishing not only
serves as a reliable source of income for
her family but also actively contributes
to
the
preservation
of
marine
ecosystems.
Beyond the immediate benefits to local
communities, the team’s collective
efforts contribute significantly to the
overarching objective of achieving
food security and improved nutrition in
coastal regions. Mama Pweza's journey
stands as an inspiring testament to the
positive and transformative in�uence of
agroecology in the context of fisheries
and the blue economy.
Success Story: Mama Pweza
Mama Pweza's fishing
practices are sustainable and
environmentally friendly, as
she uses traditional methods
that are less harmful to
the ecosystem. Her fishing
practices are on excellent
example of agroecology in
action, as she uses traditional
methods that promote
sustainable and equitable
food systems.
Mama Pweza's
journey stands as an
inspiring testament
to the positive and
transformative
influence of
agroecology in the
context of fisheries
and the blue
economy.
A model of sustainable
harvest and women's
empowerment in the
blue economy.