Project Overview
The Research Collaboration on Sustainable Fisheries Management in Bosaso, Puntland Somalia was established between IFES Institute Somalia and East Africa University (EAU), Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries from 2023 to 2024 to promote research, knowledge exchange, and sustainable management of marine resources.
Bosaso is one of Somalia’s important coastal hubs, with fisheries playing a critical role in supporting livelihoods, food security, employment opportunities, and local economic development. However, the fisheries sector faces several challenges, including limited scientific data, gaps in fisheries management practices, insufficient research capacity, post-harvest losses, and increasing pressure on marine ecosystems.
Through this collaboration, IFES Institute Somalia and EAU worked together to strengthen fisheries research capacity, promote sustainable fishing practices, and generate knowledge that supports improved decision-making within the fisheries sector.
The partnership emphasized the importance of linking academic research with practical community and sector needs by engaging researchers, fisheries students, local stakeholders, and marine resource actors in addressing fisheries-related challenges and identifying sustainable solutions.
Project Coverage Areas
The collaboration focused on the following key areas:
1. Fisheries Research and Knowledge Generation
Conducting research activities related to sustainable fisheries management.
Supporting collection and analysis of fisheries-related information.
Promoting evidence-based approaches for marine resource management.
2. Academic and Technical Capacity Development
Strengthening collaboration between researchers, fisheries experts, and academic institutions.
Supporting knowledge exchange between IFES Institute Somalia and EAU faculty members.
Enhancing practical learning opportunities for fisheries students.
3. Sustainable Fisheries Management
Promoting responsible fishing practices and conservation approaches.
Supporting awareness on sustainable utilization of marine resources.
Contributing to improved understanding of fisheries ecosystem management.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Sharing
Engaging fisheries stakeholders, students, researchers, and local actors.
Promoting collaboration between academic institutions and fisheries sector stakeholders.
Sharing research findings and technical knowledge to support fisheries development.
Project Objectives
The overall objective of the collaboration was to strengthen sustainable fisheries management through research, innovation, and knowledge exchange between IFES Institute Somalia and East Africa University.
Specific objectives included:
To promote research and evidence generation on fisheries management in Bosaso.
To strengthen technical knowledge and research capacity in marine science and fisheries.
To support sustainable utilization and conservation of marine resources.
To enhance collaboration between academic institutions and fisheries sector stakeholders.
To contribute to improved fisheries planning and decision-making through scientific knowledge.
Outcomes and Impact
The collaboration contributed to strengthening fisheries knowledge and supporting sustainable marine resource management through:
Strengthened partnership between IFES Institute Somalia and East Africa University.
Increased collaboration between fisheries researchers, academics, and sector stakeholders.
Enhanced knowledge among fisheries students and emerging marine professionals.
Improved understanding of sustainable fisheries management approaches.
Increased awareness of marine conservation and responsible fishing practices.
Supported development of evidence-based solutions for fisheries sector challenges.
Long-Term Impact
The partnership contributes to the long-term development of Puntland’s fisheries sector by:
Supporting sustainable management and conservation of marine resources.
Strengthening local research capacity in fisheries and marine sciences.
Building a future generation of skilled fisheries professionals.
Promoting science-based fisheries policies and decision-making.
Supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities dependent on marine resources.
Conclusion
The Research Collaboration between IFES Institute Somalia and East Africa University (EAU), Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries represents a strategic partnership supporting sustainable fisheries development in Puntland. Through research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, the collaboration contributes to strengthening marine resource management and advancing sustainable fisheries practices in Bosaso and beyond.