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Unlocking the Potential of Fish to Improve Food and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Rodney T. Muringai

    (African Centre for Food Security (ACFS), School of Agriculture Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Paramu Mafongoya

    (Centre for Agriculture and Environmental Development, School of Agriculture Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Romano T. Lottering

    (Geography Department, School of Agricultural Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Raymond Mugandani

    (Department of Land and Water Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe)

  • Denver Naidoo

    (African Centre for Food Security (ACFS), School of Agriculture Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

Abstract

Approximately one-third of the global population suffering from chronic hunger are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In addition to high prevalence of chronic hunger, millions of people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Meanwhile, there is growing consensus across scientific disciplines concurring that fish plays a crucial role in improving food and nutrition security. Therefore, the present review aims to demonstrate the role of fish and the whole fisheries sector towards securing food and nutrition security in SSA by summarizing the existing literature. Fish is a treasure store of animal protein and essential micronutrients such as zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins, which are essential in human nutrition and have proven to help reduce the risks of both malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Policymakers, development agencies, and society should recognize the role that the fisheries sector can play in combatting hunger and undernutrition, especially for the poor and marginalized people in SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodney T. Muringai & Paramu Mafongoya & Romano T. Lottering & Raymond Mugandani & Denver Naidoo, 2021. "Unlocking the Potential of Fish to Improve Food and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2021:i:1:p:318-:d:713301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Béné, Christophe & Arthur, Robert & Norbury, Hannah & Allison, Edward H. & Beveridge, Malcolm & Bush, Simon & Campling, Liam & Leschen, Will & Little, David & Squires, Dale & Thilsted, Shakuntala H. &, 2016. "Contribution of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Food Security and Poverty Reduction: Assessing the Current Evidence," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 177-196.
    2. Kevin Obiero & Paul Meulenbroek & Silke Drexler & Adamneh Dagne & Peter Akoll & Robinson Odong & Boaz Kaunda-Arara & Herwig Waidbacher, 2019. "The Contribution of Fish to Food and Nutrition Security in Eastern Africa: Emerging Trends and Future Outlooks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-15, March.
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