Dried Fish and Fishmeal as Commodities: Boosting Profitability for Artisanal Fishers in Namibe, Angola

Matilde Elvira Muneilowe Tyaima Hanamulamba, Suellen Mariano da Silva, Leonardo Castilho-Barros, Pinto Leonidio Hanamulamba and Marcelo Barbosa Henriques ()
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Matilde Elvira Muneilowe Tyaima Hanamulamba: Instituto de Pesca, Government of the State of São Paulo, Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 192, Ponta da Praia, Santos 11030-906, São Paulo, Brazil
Suellen Mariano da Silva: Instituto de Pesca, Government of the State of São Paulo, Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 192, Ponta da Praia, Santos 11030-906, São Paulo, Brazil
Leonardo Castilho-Barros: Aquaculture Center, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n–Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Pinto Leonidio Hanamulamba: Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Coastal Campus, Graduate Program in Biodiversity of Coastal Environments, Pr. Infante Dom Henrique, s/n–Parque Bitaru, São Vicente 11330-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Marcelo Barbosa Henriques: Instituto de Pesca, Government of the State of São Paulo, Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 192, Ponta da Praia, Santos 11030-906, São Paulo, Brazil

Commodities, 2025, vol. 4, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Artisanal fishing is a central pillar of the Angolan economy, particularly in the southern province of Namibe, where it serves as the primary economic activity for numerous coastal communities. However, these communities face significant challenges, including competition from expanding industrial fisheries and inadequate infrastructure at fishing centers, which hampers the storage, preservation, and transportation of catches. These limitations contribute to post-harvest losses and the reduced market value of products, despite the region’s rich diversity of pelagic and demersal resources. This study evaluated the economic viability of artisanal fishing in Namibe under three production scenarios, varying in catch levels and the inclusion of fish processing activities such as dried fish and fishmeal production. Scenario A (pessimistic) assumed a 10% reduction in production compared to the best estimates; Scenario B (intermediate) was based on average reported catches; and Scenario C (optimistic) considered a 10% increase in catches, accounting for seasonal and environmental variability. Results indicated that artisanal fishing was economically viable under all scenarios, with the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) consistently exceeding the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) of 7.5%. IRR values ranged from 34.30% (Scenario A, without by-product commercialization) to 106.28% (Scenario C, with dried fish and fishmeal production and sales), representing a more than threefold increase in profitability. This substantial gain underscores the transformative potential of processing by-products into higher-value commodities, enabling integration into larger-scale and more liquid markets. Such value addition supports the concept of a proximity economy by promoting short production cycles, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening local value chains. Beyond financial returns, the findings suggest broader socioeconomic benefits, including local economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of traditional production knowledge. The payback period was less than four years in all cases, decreasing to 1.94 years in the most favorable scenario. By-products such as dried fish and fishmeal exhibit commodity-like characteristics due to their higher commercial value, increasing demand, and potential integration into regional and animal feed markets. In conclusion, diversifying marketing strategies and maximizing the use of fish resources can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing, foster socioeconomic inclusion, and support the development of artisanal fishing communities in Namibe.

Keywords: benefit–cost ratio; economic feasibility; fishing gear; proximity economy; small-scale fishery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 D4 E3 E6 F0 F1 F3 F4 F5 F6 G1 O1 O5 Q1 Q2 Q4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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