Evaluation of the implementation of the Namibian fishing policy with regard to the rock lobster sub sector

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

The Government of the Republic of Namibia has over the past twelve years worked on a policy environment that would ensure the attainment of its policy objectives. The evaluation of the policy implementation has been carried out in relation to the rock lobster sub sector. The study considered four policy objectives, which are: the rebuilding of stocks, industry development, Namibianisation and empowerment

The findings of the study indicate significant attainment of policy objectives with respect of the rock lobster sub sector. The study reveals that the rock lobster stock is recovering due to an effective control, monitoring and surveillance regime. To that end, the rock lobster industry now has a fleet of 19 vessels, and a remarkable hundred percent Namibian employees. Room to sustain the current progress and to accelerate the attainment of broad policy objectives still exist. Consequently, the study calls for a comprehensive development strategy supported by a coherent implementation plan. The support strategy should involve the provision of independent technical, managerial and financial advice; and easy access to finance for the fisheries sector in general and rock lobster enterprises in particular

In addition, the study suggests the need to harness social investment of fisheries companies into a co-ordinated development assistance framework. The initiative could be done through the establishment of collaborative partnerships involving the state, the private sector and the international development community. The partnership should be geared at establishing a social development assistance programme that compliments state run programmes and fills the existing development gaps

The study concludes that accelerated efforts should be made in ensuring that the distributive elements of the policies are exploited through a new generation of programmes that focus on making growth more pro-poor, target inequalities and emphasize more innovative ways of empowering the poor