• 11 Nov, 2019

Background: NRI is an implementing partner in CGIAR Research Program on Fish Agri-Food Systems (FISH) led by WorldFish; a program supported by contributors to the CGIAR Trust Fund (https://fish.cgiar.org/). In collaboration with national governments and partners, FISH delivers research to enhance the contributions of fisheries to reduce poverty and improve food security and nutrition. Small pelagic fish are caught in abundance throughout the Great Lakes in Central/Southern Africa. Catches from lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi alone exceed more than one million tonnes. Fisheries research illustrates that Lake ecologies are shifting and the use of lakes for fish production are also transitioning with an increase in aquaculture – both shifts have substantial implications for the production of and people’s access to small pelagic fish. Fish is traded locally and across borders. Recent research has shown that small pelagic fish make significant contributions to the food and nutrition security and the welfare of the poor. However, where research has been done it illustrates that practices around harvesting, processing, selling and consumption can be improved to contribute even further to equitable and sustainable improvements in human nutrition and wellbeing. It is evident that many of the key indicators in the food systems such as post-harvest losses and waste (PHLW), trade flows, nutritional losses and the role of fish in the nutritional landscape are not clearly measured or understood. So, further research is required to understand how small pelagic fish fit into the broader picture and transforming food systems of the African Great Lakes. This research needs includes understanding in greater depth opportunities to reduce PHLW and to increase the nutrition potential from catch to consumption. In order to address these knowledge gaps, WorldFish, NRI and LUANAR are funding two PhD studentships. Funding will cover fees, research costs and the students will also be provided with a stipend.