Africa Factbook

In coastal communities across West Africa, fishing the ocean is a way of life and vital to providing incomes and nutrition, especially for the poor. West Africa waters are rich in fish of all varieties. Despite this fact,  from Nigeria to Ghana, to Senegal, the fishing industry in these countries still grapple with challenges that limit production capacity and by extension, ability to meet the daily nutrition needs of West African families. Over a billion people, most of whom are poor, depend on fish as a source of animal protein. Fish is the cheapest source of animal protein in the world and supports families by providing income, employment, and food security to West African communities.  West Africa is gifted with abundant fish resources, supplying over 50 percent of the world’s fishing resources. However, most West African countries import fish instead of relying on the countries rich fishing waters for food and employment. Although fishing in much of rural Africa tends to be