Case 2-18 Generating funds for CLPA activities through economic activities: case study of generating funds through the introduction of a meal plant

In response to the growing demand for fishmeal as an ingredient in fertiliser and animal feed, COGEPAS supported initiatives in Kayar and Joal to produce and sell fishmeal using the head and skin residues from the traditional process of smoking sardines and sardinella in Kethiakh. Both sites initially experienced some stagnation for various reasons; however, they were able to overcome this, and the initiatives gradually became profitable. Support for the introduction of an alternative livelihood, namely the management of fishmeal factories, has strengthened the financial resources of the CLPAs and relieved fishing pressure.

According to a check conducted in Joal in June 2017, the factory had reportedly been operating for just over a year before being abandoned due to repeated machine failures since its opening. A generator used in the factory has since been moved to a fish landing site and the fishmeal factory was closed. 

Income generating activities introduced to fund fisheries resource management organisations and improve fishers’ family management, play a role in mitigating the resistance of fishers against the introduction of resource management measures that would have a negative impact on their income, while strengthening the economic basis of resource management organisations. Many income generating activities, such as fishmeal factories, did not continue. An adequate technology transfer plan and a careful management plan are needed to maintain the introduced machinery. In addition, the operating parties should be required to develop flexible management strategies and close relationships with their partners in response to changing circumstances. Income-generating activities introduced to gain funds for resource management organisations help strengthen the economic foundation of the organisations. However, many activities such as meal plants did not prove sustainable and were abandoned. The lessons learned from this case are that, when introducing a new economic activity, (1) sufficient technology transfer should be planned and careful management planning to maintain and manage the introduced machinery are required, and (2) those in charge of business operation are required to develop flexible management strategies and close relationships with their partners in response to changing circumstances.

Chapter 2 Establishing and strengthening the resource management implementation system

2.6 Securing and managing funds for activities

Consider ways for resource management organisations to finance their own activities, such as　collecting funds from their members, or engaging in economic activities themselves and allocating a portion of the profit to resource management activities.

Examples of generating funds through the activities of resource management organisations themselves in Senegal include joint shipping operations, fuelling stations, and meal plant management with the support of JICA projects. This case study shows the process and results of the introduction of a meal plant, and can be used as a reference for similar activities.