MultiChoice supports local fishers and scientists through Abalobi project

MultiChoice supports innovative partnerships that drive positive change, including Abalobi, an organisation that bridges the gap between local fishers and scientists.

Abalobi’s vision is to cultivate thriving, equitable and climate-resilient small-scale fishing communities.

It achieves this vision through financial inclusion, collective social entrepreneurship and data-driven fisheries rebuilding.

“We support data collection and skills-building with fisher communities, NGOs and governments,” it said.

“Through our Fish With A Story platform, we connect fisher groups and cooperatives with fair markets and linked financial services.”

The organisation includes a team of scientists, small-scale fishers, fisheries experts, and community engagement practitioners.

It also has developers, environmental anthropologists, seafood transformation experts, food systems advisors, and social change innovators.

The Abalobi Fisher App, a digital logbook that can be downloaded on a smartphone, enables fishers to record their catches, post-harvest activities, expenses and income.

On their smartphone, they have access to basic analytics that offer a summary of their monthly activities.

Abalobi organises meetings with fishers to collectively review and analyse the information logged by a group of fishers to stimulate community entrepreneurship or co-management.

Fishers can make informed decisions as individuals and collectively. They have proof of their livelihood at their fingertips.

MultiChoice said that its partnership with Abalobi empowers small-scale fishers with technology and enables scientific research to improve fisheries management.

This project not only helps fishermen, it also supports sustainability in fishing practices to protect marine life.​

“Abalobi’s work exemplifies how collaboration can lead to meaningful change. By bringing fishers and scientists together, they’re building a sustainable future for our oceans,” Multichoice said.