Freshwater small pelagic fish and their fisheries in major African lakes and reservoirs in relation to food security and nutrition

Small freshwater fish around Africa offer a large and underrecognized opportunity to boost food and nutrition security, according to a new FAO working paper investigating an array of species and related livelihoods that too often are undervalued. Small pelagic fish, generally processed, sold and eaten whole, account for three quarters of the total inland fish catch of the continent but because of their low economic value they are not given the attention they deserve. Yet, their unparalleled production rate, and simple technologies used for their capture, make them ideal in nutrient-deficit regions.