The growing global demand for aquatic products makes it crucial to adopt approaches that ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture.
In this context, the publication “FISH4ACP – Developing sustainable aquatic value chains: Practical guidance for analysis, strategy, and design” by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) offers practical guidance for analyzing, strategizing, and designing sustainable aquatic value chains.
Developed in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and Agrinatura, the document is based on the experience of the FISH4ACP program, an initiative by the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) aimed at strengthening the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in these regions.
What does a sustainable aquatic value chain entail?
A sustainable aquatic value chain goes beyond economic profitability. It seeks a balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The FISH4ACP methodology, based on the FAO’s sustainable food value chain (SFVC) principles, provides a rigorous framework for analyzing value chain dynamics, identifying critical issues and opportunities for improvement, and designing strategic interventions.
The FISH4ACP methodology: A step-by-step approach
The guide outlines a detailed process that ranges from assembling the analysis team to initiating the implementation phase. The process is divided into several key stages:
Functional Analysis
This stage focuses on describing and deeply understanding the elements and processes within the value chain, as well as the interconnections between stakeholders. It includes identifying key actors (producers, aggregators, processors, distributors, consumers), their behaviors, incentives, and capacities, as well as the final markets driving the chain’s dynamics. Functional analysis also aims to identify “hotspots” (areas of inefficiency or low performance) and “hope spots” (positive initiatives or trends with growth potential).
Sustainability and Resilience Assessment
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the sustainability of the value chain from three main perspectives:
- Economic: Measures profitability, employment, added value, international competitiveness, and consumer value. Indicators are used to assess economic impact at both actor and chain levels.
- Social: Examines social impacts in terms of inclusion, poverty, gender equality, food security, decent employment, and social capital. A “Social Profile” tool organizes qualitative and quantitative data.
- Environmental: Analyzes the value chain’s environmental footprint, including climate impact, water footprint, fish stock sustainability, biodiversity, animal health and welfare, toxicity and pollution, and solid waste. A “Environmental Profile” tool categorizes these impacts.
Additionally, resilience is evaluated by analyzing the value chain’s ability to withstand disruptions and maintain functionality. Key aspects assessed include redundancy, diversity, connectivity, collaboration, learning and adaptation, and stakeholder participation.
Developing an improvement strategy
Based on the findings of the functional analysis and sustainability assessment, an improvement strategy is developed. This participatory process involves key value chain actors through workshops and consultations. A shared vision for the chain’s future is established, and SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) are identified. The strategy is structured using a theory of change, explaining how the proposed interventions will lead to the desired outcomes.
Development plan
The improvement strategy is translated into a concrete development plan, which includes:
- A logical framework
- An activity table with roles and responsibilities
- Investment and resource mobilization plans
- A risk assessment
The establishment of multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) is encouraged to drive plan implementation.
Implementation and monitoring
The final phase focuses on implementing the development plan with the support of multi-stakeholder partnerships and, in many cases, expert advisors from the analysis team. Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) are crucial components to ensure the success of interventions, identify challenges, and adapt strategies as needed.
Key elements for sustainable improvement
The FISH4ACP guide emphasizes several key elements for achieving sustainable improvements in aquatic value chains:
- Stakeholder Participation: Active engagement and ownership of the process by value chain actors are fundamental to success.
- Data-Driven Approach: Strategic decisions should be based on rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
- Shared Vision: Consensus among stakeholders on long-term value chain objectives is essential for aligning efforts and resources.
- Governance Enhancement: Strengthening formal and informal governance mechanisms is crucial for improving collaboration and coordination among actors.
- Improved Business Models: The improvement strategy should propose business models that are more profitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
- Strengthening the Enabling Environment: Addressing policies, regulations, and infrastructure that impact value chain performance is vital.
Conclusion
The FISH4ACP guide serves as an invaluable tool for those seeking to promote the development of more sustainable aquatic value chains. Its detailed, participatory methodological approach, grounded in practical experience, provides a clear roadmap for analyzing the complexities of these chains, designing effective improvement strategies, and fostering a more sustainable future for the aquatic sector in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific—and beyond.
Reference (open access)
Neven, D., Walker, C., Lienert, A., Macfayden, G., Romuld, B., Vilela López, B., Hodzic, H., Kourgansky, A., Blanc, P.-P., Hett, K. & del Rio Poza, A. 2025. FISH4ACP – Developing sustainable aquatic value chains: Practical guidance for analysis, strategy and design. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd2205en
