In West African coastal nations, fish is a critical food staple of coastal populations, and fishing and fisheries-related activities are essential for their livelihoods. Further, almost all West African coastal nations have their capitals situated in coastal areas. Population growth in these areas is contributing to growing demand for fish, as are other factors such as the growth of export markets. Given the importance of the sector to food security, livelihoods, and economic development, the declining state of West African fisheries necessitates attention. Persistent overfishing has resulted in declining yields and irregular catches, with smaller average fish sizes in many areas. This in turn is reducing incomes of local fishers and increasing income volatility. Climate change threatens to further stress local fisheries, because ocean productivity is negatively impacted by warming waters and increased acidity. In this context, communities in West Africa play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and productivity of West African fisheries. Coastal communities have a wealth of traditional and local knowledge and a strong motivation to ensure the continued productivity of their fisheries for future generations. A focus on communities is essential for improving coastal fisheries.

This e-book highlights RAFIP work to learn from and inform WARFP activities, to engage communities in the effort toward productive and sustainable fisheries. WARFP interventions took place in the context of an overall effort at the World Bank over the last 10 years to reengage in the fisheries sector and expand the portfolio of fisheries-related work. Cumulatively, since 2008 the Bank has invested nearly US$900 million in fisheries activities, with US$500 million approved in 2019 alone. These investments have included country and regional marine/coastal environment and fisheries management projects in East and West Africa; strengthening management of selected oceanic and coastal fisheries in the Pacific Islands; enhancing the performance of the fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Latin America; and improving management of coastal and marine fisheries in South Asia. The Bank’s ability to expand its fisheries portfolio is increasing rapidly, due to both demand from clients and the infusion of funding (such as through the PROBLUE Trust Fund).

The experience and lessons learned from the analytical tools piloted under RAFIP will inform the growing portfolio of World Bank fisheries projects. These analytical tools will enable effective stock-taking of the conditions of the fisheries sector for a comprehensive overview (FPI, surveys); mapping of important stakeholder dynamics to better understand, visualize, discuss, and improve situations in which many different actors influence outcomes (Net-Map); and better understanding of the local economy, including key production linkages between local industries and consumption linkages of residents (LEWIE). Use of these and other tools will be promoted in future fisheries projects around the world through the dissemination of Fisheries Sector Assessment Toolkit currently under development at the World Bank.

The WARFP and RAFIP projects explored in this e-book highlight the importance of understanding the coastal residents, communities, and economies in coastal areas in order to maximize their contribution to sustainable and productive fisheries. It is vital to engage diverse fisheries stakeholders in coastal areas, and to understand the local political economy and social, economic, and environmental conditions when designing intervention strategies. While there are lessons to be learned from exemplary cases of fisheries management worldwide, successful solutions from one area may not be transferable to other areas. Even within one country, communities and therefore potentially viable solutions can differ greatly. Thus it is essential to first understand each society’s context, and then to design a suitable development strategy for that context. This e-book has presented illustrative tools and results that can guide the process of effective project development.