The role of small-scale fisheries management in the poverty reduction strategies in the Western Indian Ocean region

Combating poverty is high on the agenda of the international community and the governments of the Western Indian Ocean region. The region has very rich marine resources and the fisheries sector makes an important contribution both to national economies and to the livelihoods of the poorest sectors of society. This paper considers the linkages between fisheries management, livelihoods and poverty reduction and the way these have been incorporated in the poverty reduction strategy (PRS) approach being implemented in the region. It concludes that the sector has not always been adequately addressed in the poverty reduction strategy plans. Promotion of the importance of the sector for poverty reduction is important in order that the sector receives the appropriate recognition and budgetary support and is subject to appropriate interventions focused on alleviating poverty. Suggestions are made about how the profile of fisheries can be raised within the PRS process.