In February 25th up to 28th, a church leaders meeting was held on “Fishery and Faith”. Initiated by the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa (FECCIWA), twelve church leaders from Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, participated in the meeting held in Lome.

The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen the churches actions to improve the fishing sector in order to ensure sustainable food systems in West Africa.

During the conference, church leaders have discussed about the fishery in relation with faith and sought appropriate possible solutions to fight against illegal fishing. These moments of sharing were based on three points as follow; a biblical reflection on fishing and faith presented by Rév. Dr. Benebo F. FUBARA MANUEL, Historical dynamics of fishing practice and its impact on food sustainability in West Africa by Pastor Jules AKAKPO and The Church’s strategies to help rebuild fisheries policies in West Africa by Rev Dr. Nicodème ALAGBADA.

At the end of the meeting, church leaders have strengthened their capacity on fishery practices, a sector which is related to the advocacy campaign on food security that FECCIWA conducts.

Food insecurity is not a new reality for Africa. During so many years, the continent is taken by hunger and food insecurity. But the whole food chain is in relation with the environment at the center of which is the human being. The improvement of this sector does not only need the effort of the governments, but also the leaders of religious community, because populations concerned by the fishery are usually church members.