ABOUT 5,000 women working in fisheries value chain along Lake Victoria from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are set to benefit from a $1.5 million project designed to enable them improve their businesses.

Speaking during the opening of a training for women in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, director of the project implemented by the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), Susan Njeri said the pilot project will be implemented for two and half years in the three East African countries where 1,667 women from each country will participate.

 She said the project will involve various segments to empower women increase production in areas where they operate in the fisheries sector.

 Jovice Mkuchu, fisheries officer from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries said the project is meant to address losses that women encounter during their operations.  

 “The government hopes that the project will not only address challenges but also transform lives of women traders through Tanzania Women Fishers Association (TAWFA),” she said.

 Editrudith Lukanga, a consulting expert said the project which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation involves as many stakeholders as possible.

 She said various studies have shown that women involved in fishing activities face many challenges, including lack of capital and post-harvest losses which derail efforts to develop the sector.

 She added that the aim of the project is to address the challenges by empowering women with resources and knowledge on how to manage losses and practise new fishing methods to guarantee profits and transform their lives.

 The project is being implemented along Lake Victoria and the plan is to expand it to other countries which have water bodies and operating fishing associations for women.