IOM Builds Capacity of Bosaso Fisheries Community in Puntland

(MENAFNEditorial) GENEVA Switzerland December 19 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM with support from Japan and in collaboration with the regional authorities of Puntland including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Port Authority has conducted its first ever training for the fishing community in Bosaso. The training aimed to help improve the livelihoods of people working in the sector and encourage economic diversification.

Located on the Somali coast Bosaso is one of the main port cities in Puntland and has an active fishing community. But the sector remains under developed due to a lack of proper infrastructure and skills.

The coastal city is also an exit point that attracts migrants from many parts of Somalia and Ethiopia on their dangerous journey to the Gulf. It has also seen the arrival of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) from South Central Somalia over the past two decades many of whom have become involved in the fishing industry.

Some 36 people from the host and IDP communities involved in the sector received training in fish processing including fish handling spoilage preservation techniques and the proper use of fishing gear. They were also trained in business management skills to help them to develop small businesses and generate income.

The fishing industry could become an important contributor to Bosaso's economy. Many IDP families currently make a living by selling fish in the Bosaso fish market at the port or to local hotels and shops in the town. The sector also offers job opportunities for young people and women.