Value Chain of artisanal fisheries in Somalia

This report provides an overview of the progress and main results of an assignment taken on by Matis (the Icelandic food and biotech R&D institute) for the World bank and the Icelandic Ministry of foreign affairs, designed to conduct a value chain assessment for artisanal fisheries targeting lobster, tuna, and demersal species across six distinct locations in Somalia. The primary objective was to identify and enhance specific activities within the value chain to increase the market value of catches, thereby improving the income of the fisheries communities involved.

Fish loss and waste represent a critical challenge within Somalia's fishing value chain, substantially diminishing economic returns and endangering consumer health. In the absence of an integrated cold-chain system, catches are routinely exposed to ambient sea temperatures of 77–86°F, resulting in rapid spoilage, price erosion, and occasional disposal or use as animal feed. High cost of ice for cooling, insufficient access to insulated storage containers, and the lack of shaded landing sites and hygienic handling surfaces exacerbate product deterioration. Species such as tuna are particularly vulnerable to histamine formation when not chilled immediately, posing acute food-safety risks. Improving the artisanal fish value chain in Somalia requires a multifaceted strategy that combines targeted infrastructure investments—such as community cold stores, ice-making facilities, and insulated storage containers—with comprehensive training programs on best practices in handling, temperature control, and marketing. Cooperatives are poised to catalyze these improvements by pooling resources, standardizing procedures, and facilitating technical assistance, thereby enhancing product quality, securing higher market value, and protecting public health.