More than 30 experts and practitioners from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Europe convened in Brussels for a two-day science policy lab to contribute to transforming aquatic food systems. The discussions focused on designing collaborative, multi-stakeholder networks to drive meaningful change in the sector. Joining the conversation remotely, 19 participants from Sierra Leone contributed insights to the dialogue.
More than 30 experts and practitioners from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Europe convened in Brussels for a two-day science policy lab to contribute to transforming aquatic food systems. The discussions focused on designing collaborative, multi-stakeholder networks to drive meaningful change in the sector. Joining the conversation remotely, 19 participants from Sierra Leone contributed insights to the dialogue.
In his opening remarks, Philippe Leclerc of the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable aquatic food systems. He also underscored the significance of the upcoming Thematic Study on Aquatic Food Systems from the SASi-SPi project.
Professor Konstantinos Karantininis, from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Director of the SASi-SPi project, emphasized that agrifood systems impact everyone and highlighted SASi-SPi’s role in promoting a balanced approach to the three pillars of sustainability within food systems. In this context, he underscored the importance of Science Policy Labs in bridging the gap between research and practice, fostering evidence-based policymaking.
After presenting the outcomes from the Science Policy Labs, held in Dar Es Salaam, Mombasa, and Cape Town during 2024, group discussions focused on multistakeholder networks. The latter represent a shared outcome from all three science policy labs held in sub-Saharan Africa.
Following a mapping exercise on existing multi-stakeholder networks in aquatic food systems, groups also worked to identify unaddressed gaps and assess the key functions and stakeholders required to bridge them. They finally examined the levers and trade-offs shaping policymaking and investment, as well as the governance and coordination principles essential for effective action.
On the second day, participants engaged with a comprehensive framework to develop practical and inclusive action plans for a multi-stakeholder network on aquatic food systems in Kenya and South Africa—countries where previous S-POLs had taken place. They identified high-impact actions needed to kick-start the transformation process. Both groups then mapped out the conditions and resources required for successful implementation, with a strong focus on the behavioral shifts needed among stakeholders.
Discussions centered on two key areas: identifying necessary systemic changes in aquatic food systems and determining effective strategies to implement those changes.
At the systemic level, participants highlighted significant barriers, particularly the limited access to aquatic food in many African countries. Infrastructure deficits and inadequate conservation methods were identified as critical obstacles. A key challenge was how to encourage greater local consumption of aquatic foods. Participants emphasized the need for consumer awareness campaigns to shift perceptions of fish from a commercial commodity to an essential, nutritious food source. Many people lack awareness of the nutritional value of aquatic foods, and even in coastal regions, fishers often prioritize selling their catch to wealthier buyers rather than supplying local communities.
In addressing how to drive change, discussions focused on the structural and operational challenges faced by organizations working in aquatic food systems. A primary concern was the lack of long-term funding, which limits the ability of networks to expand and sustain their efforts. Another critical issue was finding the good scale for network operations, ensuring they remain connected to local realities rather than becoming overly centralized and detached from grassroots needs. Participants also stressed the importance of overcoming language barriers to facilitate effective communication and inclusivity within multi-stakeholder networks.
A key outcome of the discussions was the call for more inclusive and participatory approaches. Participants advocated for frameworks that empower stakeholders to be actively involved from the outset of policy development. By fostering stronger collaboration and engagement, these models have the potential to drive meaningful, sustainable change in aquatic food systems, ensuring they become more accessible, resilient, and equitable.