Fostering Growth and Sustainability in the Fishing Supply Chain by Enhancing Decent Work: The Case of South Africa

This project presented a comprehensive mapping of the fishing supply chains in Indonesia, South Africa, and Ghana, with a focus on labor dynamics, recruitment practices, governance structures, and the risks associated with informal and forced labor. Commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) FUNDAMENTALS Branch, the study aimed to support the advancement of decent work and fair recruitment in marine and fisheries. Using a combination of literature review, trade and regulatory analysis, and stakeholder interviews, particularly in South Africa, the research explored how national supply chains are structured and governed, and how these systems shape working conditions and labor rights in the sector.

In Indonesia, the fishing sector is dominated by informal and small-scale operations, making regulation and enforcement difficult. In South Africa, a dual economy separates the well-regulated commercial sector from under-resourced small-scale fishers, with gaps in coordination and enforcement. Ghana’s supply chain is segmented between a high-value export sector and an informal domestic market, with women dominating the post-harvest roles but lacking formal recognition and protections.

Across all three countries, the study found persistent challenges related to informality, unregulated labor recruitment, weak inter-agency coordination, and limited access to social protection, particularly for women, workers, and small-scale operators. The report concluded with recommendations to strengthen regulatory enforcement, improve inter-institutional collaboration, support skills development, and promote inclusive, rights-based approaches to fisheries governance. These findings aim to inform ILO’s global agenda on decent work and contribute to broader sustainable development goals.