The World Bank has reviewed the implementation of a five-year fisheries project targeting coastal communities, as efforts continue to improve fishing practices, marine aquaculture and the livelihoods of people dependent on the sector.
A delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr Mirko Ivo Serkovic, met officials implementing the Tanzania Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Project (TASFAM) in Dar es Salaam on October 27, 2026, to assess progress and identify areas requiring further attention.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO), focused on achievements made so far and activities planned before the project ends in 2030.
TASFAM Mainland Coordinator Dr Nichrous Mlalila said the implementing team was working to ensure that planned activities were completed and the project delivered its intended benefits to fishing communities and marine aquaculture producers.
He assured the delegation that efforts were underway to ensure the project left a lasting impact on people engaged in fishing and seaweed farming along the Indian Ocean coast.
The assessment included field visits to Tanga Region, where the delegation visited Pangani District and met members of the village-level grievance redress committee in Ushongo.
The team examined how the committee operates and its responsibilities in handling complaints from communities affected by project activities. It also visited a proposed site for the construction of an information centre.
In Mkinga District, the delegation met seaweed farmers in Ndumbani Village, village leaders, fisheries officers and TASFAM coordinators from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
The team also visited the Silikanti Marine Reserve offices in Kigombe, Muheza District, and a Beach Management Unit (BMU) to assess local fisheries management activities.
The visits provided an opportunity to engage communities and assess how project interventions are being implemented at the local level.
In Coast Region, the delegation met officials of the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) to review its contribution to building skills in the fisheries industry.
Under the project, FETA has conducted short courses for seafarers and boat operators on safety at sea, alongside training in the processing of fishery products and seaweed.
The agency has also supported the review of five existing training curricula and the development of 12 new ones.
Another intervention involved training 40 participants from Tanga and Lindi regions in the maintenance and repair of fishing boats and engines.
FETA has further developed eight guidelines for short-term training courses and prepared curricula for seafarers in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The agency has also trained its staff in various areas, including the use of laboratory equipment, to strengthen its capacity to deliver fisheries education and training.
TASFAM is being implemented by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Tanga, Coast, Dar es Salaam, Lindi and Mtwara regions, with financial support from the World Bank.
Running from 2025 to 2030, the project seeks to improve sustainable management of fisheries resources and promote marine aquaculture along Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline.
Its success will depend not only on the completion of planned activities but also on whether improved fishing practices, stronger management of marine resources and new skills translate into better economic opportunities for fishing and seaweed-farming communities.