The Gambia is famous for its agro sector, including fish. Approximately 30,000 people work in the Aquaculture and fisheries industry, which exports a significant amount of fish annually, contributing to the country’s economy. 

Gambia is expected to produce  39 metric tons fishes by 2028,  with an annual growth rate of  1.1%. Furthermore, successful stories in Gambia’s fish industry inspire others to take steps. However, some challenges are obstructing the growth and livelihoods of local communities. Still, this industry is promising with proper planning. Livelihoods depend on aquaculture, hoping to solve the problem and build a stronger and more profitable sector. This article is about the Gambian fish industry, its challenges, growth, and why it’s a perfect sector to invest in.

Economic Importance of the Fisheries Sector: The fish industry is expected to produce 39 metric tons by 2028, growing at 1.1% annually. Exports from Senegal, Guinea, the UK, and China generate about USD 1.5 million.

Investment Opportunities: Addressing key challenges can unlock major investment prospects, while Success stories like Project PROREFISH encourage investing for growth and profitability.

Gambia’s fishers generally use two types of fish farming: artisanal and commercial. There are three key locations for fish farming. Sanyang is the main centre, and Lamin is another significant centre in the western region. Places like Sanyang and Lamin in the Western Region are well-known in fish farming areas.

The Mangrove Area is a large mangrove forest along the River Gambia. It provides feasible conditions for the marine industry. 

Artisanal fishing is widely practised in the River Gambia’s mangrove-filled tributaries and along the Atlantic coast. Although commercial fish farming is not fully exploited, tremendous potential exists. 

A 2006 survey reported that 1,410 fishers operated in all fish landing sites in the Gambia. The Gambia takes a lot of fish every day in their daily meal. Most Gambians eat fish at least five times a week. It is an average estimation; per capita, fish consumption is estimated to range between 25 kg and 27kg annually along the coasts. Fish is a significant source of animal protein in Gambia.

Fish is highly nutritious and full of health benefits. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids necessary for brain and heart health. High in Protein, it also Supports muscle growth and repair. Rich in Fundamental Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin D, B2, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Regular intake decreases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Omega 3 fatty acids are significant elements for brain and eye development. Omega 3’s are associated with reduced symptoms of depression. Gambians take a lot of fish every day.

Though Gambia’s fish are beneficial for health and contribute to the economy, fish farmers are still facing problems. 

Fish is a replenishable product, so storing it is crucial for fish farmers. Revamping a supply chain with the latest technology for these products is critical so that everyone, from small-scale farmers to big organisations, can benefit from an efficient supply chain. 

Despite being in more advanced stages, the fish industry is experiencing infrastructure issues. For example, insufficient ice, refrigerator storage, and transportation facilities affect fish quality and marketability. 

Many fish farmers have significant problems accessing credit facilities and financing investments in better equipment and technologies. The inadequate enforcement of fishing regulations and policies leads to unsustainable practices and disputes among fishermen. 

Most fish farmers also have problems accessing markets and fetching reasonable prices for their produce. Changes in weather patterns and increasing sea levels can also alter fish productivity and habitats.

On the other hand, some successful stories inspire others, and Project PROREFISH is one of them. It is a sustainable fisheries initiative supported by the FAO and other partners. The project restores and enhances landing and processing infrastructure to reduce fish losses and wastage along the supply chain. This project is expected to benefit nearly 168,000 Gambians and sequester an additional 238.519 tonnes of CO2e, bringing significant environmental and economic benefits.

These success stories show investors how to focus on the core issues, like Project PROREFISH, which focuses on the supply chain issue in Gambia’s fish industry. Business leaders must understand the industry’s core challenges for success. The primary reason for setbacks often lies in existing obstacles. Identifying and addressing the problems first is essential. By analyzing these issues collectively, leaders can initiate solutions.

This industry is undoubtedly promising in the Gambia. Gambia’s fish industry meets the demands of the domestic and international markets. Demand from global markets has driven the increasing export value of fish and seafood products.  

In 2014, Gambia’s total annual fish consumption was 56,270 tonnes, with 51,500 tonnes from the artisanal sector and 4,770 tonnes from the industrial sector. 

The export value of fish and seafood products from Gambia is approximately 1.5 million US dollars. Senegal, Guinea, the United Kingdom, and China are the country’s main export partners for these products. 

The fishing industry employs around 30,000 Gambians and is a vital source of livelihood. The sector contributes significantly to the national economy through revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings from the region’s economy.

Gambia’s fish industry is growing. By addressing the issues facing it and investing in sustainability practices, stakeholders can unlock new opportunities, boost the livelihoods of local communities, and contribute to national economic development. Investors are encouraged to draw inspiration from successful projects like PROREFISH and actively advance this promising sector. With strategic planning and collaboration, the future of Gambia’s fishing industry can be both sustainable and prosperous.