WorldFish understands global food systems influence all 17 of the SDGs. That’s why we are committed through our research structure to a food systems approach that sets a research and innovation pathway for aquatic food systems focused on achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger while paying special attention to SDG 14: Life Below Water, leveraging both of these goals to score progress on other multiple SDGs, including No Poverty, Good Health and Well-Being, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life on Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions, Partnerships for the Goals.
- Homestead aquaculture is enabling poor, rural households in Bangladesh to earn an income
- Adoption of better management practices has boosted farmers’ profits by 27% in Egypt
- Farming of fast-growing genetically improved tilapia boosts farmers yields and household consumption of fish
- Conservation ponds in Cambodia help fishing-dependent communities protect and rejuvenate fish stocks
Fish, particularly small fish, is rich in micronutrients like vitamin A, iron, calcium, zinc and essential fatty acids. WorldFish strives to make fish available and affordable to the poor, to help combat malnutrition and alleviate nutritional deficiencies that often occur in developing countries.
- Farming of small indigenous fish such as vitamin A-rich mola helps combat malnutrition in Bangladesh
- Seasonal calendars and recipe books enables households in Zambia to learn about nutritious foods
Rural women have a major role in fisheries and aquaculture, but they often have unequal access to the resources and services they need to be successful. By closing this gender gap, WorldFish helps to improve productivity and increase incomes and food security.
- Women in Bangladesh have transformed unused ponds into productive, money-making ponds
- Women fish retailers are trained in business and negotiation skills in Egypt to build their confidence and knowledge
WorldFish research shows that adopting new technologies alone is not the magic bullet for improving productivity. Using natural resources efficiently, pursuing innovation and having access to credit to invest in business activities, especially for the poor, are also vital.
- A cyclone-resistant house with water-efficient technology is being trialed in Bangladesh to enable families to be self-sufficient during natural disasters
- In Solomon Islands, households are joining together to protect and restore mangroves and over-harvested reefs
- Governments in Africa are strengthening their policies, standards and regulatory frameworks to promote intra-regional fish trade
- To support small- and medium-sized aquaculture enterprises adopt new technologies, the WorldFish incubator provides access to capital and business advice
- Savings groups in Zambia help women access money to invest in agriculture
- Youth receive training on fish processing and packaging to boost jobs in Aswan, which has high unemployment rates
Overfishing, ineffective management practices, industrial development, agricultural pollution and the effects from climate change have reduced fish stocks. WorldFish promotes a sustainable approach to fisheries and aquaculture to ensure that fish stocks are available for future generations.
- In the Philippines, local governments have formed an alliance to better manage and protect marine resources
- Traders in Zambia have adopted new methods of preserving fish such as salting to reduce post-harvest losses
- In Timor-Leste, communities and government agencies are together looking at ways to adapt to a changing climate
- WorldFish and partners are studying the future impact of climate change on developing countries
- Marine protected areas are being established in the Coral Triangle to protect fragile fish stocks
- In Bangladesh, communities are forming conservation groups to protect stocks of hilsa, the country’s national fish
- Research showing the impact of dams and hydropower developments on inland fisheries along the Mekong River helps policymakers make informed choices
- WorldFish is partnering with the government and research agencies in Myanmar to improve management of inland freshwater ecosystems
WorldFish works with an extensive network of partners to create change for the millions who depend on fish in the developing world. Partnerships are essential to bring technologies and innovations to scale and achieve development impact.
- An innovation platform in Egypt brings together policymakers, value chain actors and fish farmers to encourage participatory and representative decision-making
- Research on global marine resource exploitation advocates for greater governance, giving voice to the world’s fragile oceans.
- WorldFish is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
