Chapter 5: Science, Public Health and Food Security

Title: Artisanal fishing and food security in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Reference: WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2006 pp. 159 - 168

Abstract/Summary: This paper is based on analysis of primary data collected from a random sample of 248 subsistence fishers' households to assess the contribution of artisanal fishing towards food security in the Okavango Delta (OD) of Botswana. Results show that a high proportion of subsistence fishers are economically marginalised, with no or very little formal education. Characteristically, fisher households belong to one ethnic group, are inter-generational and own arable land. Some (39%) subsistence fishers peddle fish around the village, of which 3% purchase food from their sales. Some fishers barter their catch for grain, while fish contributes at least 50% of household food in most households. During periods of food shortage, subsistence fishers increase their catches to augment their food supply. Not surprisingly, approximately 44% of households regard fish as an important food strategy during periods of food shortage. Fish is therefore a major source of food security for the Delta's economically marginalised subsistence fishers.

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