Building Skills for a Stronger and More Sustainable Fisheries Sector
The DAA Fisheries Training Centre (DFTC) is one of the four main operating areas of Development Action Association (DAA). The Centre supports DAA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots communities through skills development, knowledge sharing and practical training connected to fisheries and livelihoods.
For DAA, training is an important part of community development. By providing opportunities for people to build knowledge and practical skills, the organisation helps communities become better equipped to address their development needs and participate in sustainable economic activities.
About the DAA Fisheries Training Centre
The DAA Fisheries Training Centre is connected to DAA’s long-standing work with fishing communities and women involved in fisheries.
DAA has worked with grassroots communities on fish processing, fish production, post-harvest fisheries activities and other livelihood programmes. Over the years, this work created a need for practical training and capacity building that could respond to the experiences and needs of people working within the fisheries sector.
The organisation’s fisheries training work has included support for improved fish processing, hygiene, post-harvest practices, sustainable fisheries management and community participation.
Training and Skills Development
One of DAA’s core objectives is to initiate development through the transfer of skills, competencies and resources to grassroots communities. The organisation also seeks to create an environment where grassroots associations can become viable and self-reliant.
The Fisheries Training Centre provides a platform through which this approach can be applied to fisheries-related activities.
Training and capacity-building activities may address areas such as:
- Fish processing practices
- Post-harvest fisheries activities
- Fish hygiene and handling
- Sustainable fisheries practices
- Livelihood development
- Community organisation
- Skills and knowledge sharing
- Women’s participation in fisheries
- Fisheries-related advocacy and awareness
Supporting Women in Fisheries
Women play an important role in Ghana’s fisheries value chain, particularly in fish processing and related activities.
DAA’s wider programme work focuses heavily on rural women. Approximately 98% of DAA’s beneficiaries are rural women, many of whom have limited formal education.
The Fisheries Training Centre therefore forms part of DAA’s broader effort to ensure that women have access to knowledge and opportunities that can strengthen their livelihoods and participation in development.
Practical Fisheries Training
DAA’s experience shows that training is most useful when it responds to real challenges faced by communities.
The organisation has supported training and capacity building related to fish processing and post-harvest fisheries activities. These efforts have been linked to improving practices, strengthening women’s participation and supporting better livelihoods within fishing communities.
In 2015–2016, DAA undertook advocacy work relating to post-harvest fisheries extension services. This work highlighted the importance of providing fish processors and other people working within the fisheries sector with relevant technical information and support.
The Tsokomey Training Centre
An important part of DAA’s fisheries training history is its work at Tsokomey.
In 2016, DAA received support for an interim training centre at Tsokomey as part of its fisheries-related activities. The centre provided an opportunity to strengthen training and support for people involved in the sector.
The experience contributed to DAA’s continued development of fisheries training facilities.
A Dedicated Fisheries Training Facility
In June 2018, DAA benefited from a fisheries training centre supported by USAID, the Coastal Resources Center of the University of Rhode Island, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission.
The facility was established to support the sustainable development of Ghana’s fishing industry and strengthened DAA’s ability to provide training and community support connected to the fisheries sector.
The centre represents an important part of DAA’s long-term commitment to developing the skills and capacity of people whose livelihoods are connected to fisheries.
