Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fisheries and livelihoods of fishermen in Africa: A Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on various sectors globally, including fisheries in Africa. This review examines the effect of the pandemic on fisheries and the livelihoods of fishermen in Africa, analyzing the specific challenges faced by fishermen in Africa due to COVID-19 and exploring the implications for their livelihoods. It seeks to identify potential solutions and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in the fisheries sector. A review of existing literature involved academic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Institutional reports: FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), the World Bank, and the African Development Bank; reports from national fisheries departments; and NGOs reports such as WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and Greenpeace. Findings indicate that supply chain disruptions caused delays in transportation and increased spoilage, while market closures and reduced demand led to income losses and increased operational costs for fishermen. Small-scale fishermen were particularly facing severe economic hardships, food insecurity, and a decline in fish production. Innovative policy responses, such as government support programs and community resilience-building initiatives, have been critical in mitigating these impacts. Government interventions included financial aid, subsidies, and the provision of fishing gear, while community resilience strategies focused on livelihood diversification and strengthening local governance. Policy measures should enhance market access, provide financial assistance, promote alternative livelihood strategies, develop targeted support programs for fishermen to address the specific challenges faced by fishermen during the pandemic, and prioritize livelihood safeguarding and sustainable fisheries management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]