By: Kolubah Zayzay

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – First Lady Clar Weah says the launch of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority,( NaFAA) Net Exchange and Women in Fisheries Empowerment Program is cardinal to Liberia’s economy recovery.

She said the project will ensure constant supply of fish on the Liberian market and increase the capacity of drying and smoking fish.

Madam Weah said the program intend of the program, is to roll out sustainable fishing methods to help reduce post-harvest lost in the fishery sector of Liberia.

Speaking Thursday, May 13, 2021, in West Point, Monrovia, as Chief Launcher, Madam Weah expressed excitement that the project stands to benefit women who depend on fishing for their living, and paid tribute to Emma Glassco and NaFAA staff, for ably managing and sustaining the industry in Liberia.

Also speaking, NaFAA Director General, Emma Glasco said as NaFAA maximized efforts to ensure sustainable fishing, the entity is committed to harnessing the full economic value of the products from fishing.

Madam Glasco said the new program intends to reduce post-harvest lost and improve quality by introducing modern storage equipment, as well as improving smoking techniques through the establishment of smoke ovens.

The program funding is from the Germany Government through FAO, and NaFAA, is essential to improving support to women in fishing to enhance the processing, handling and storing of fish products as well as the distribution of fish products.

Madam Glasco added that the project is geared towards improving livelihood of women in fishery across communities, adding women play crucial role in the fishery value chain.

The project will witness the exchange of “Rubber Nets for Thread Nets” in various fishing communities in Liberia.

For her part, Montserrado County Superintendent, Florence Brandy hailed the NAFAA for its efforts in improving the fishery sector of Liberia with the empowerment of fishermen and women.

Madam Brandy said project is yielding the needed results as they are benefiting the fishing communities in Montserrado County.

She added that NaFAA’s role is indicative of the Pro-Poor agenda, and is well on course as the conditions of many struggling fishermen and women were being changed for the better.