The fishermen of Erigabo, the capital of Sanag region, are reaping the benefits of a newly constructed market that has boosted their production over the past five months. This market, developed by Somaliland’s Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Development, is equipped with large cold storage units and designated areas for daily trade.
Mohamed Hassan Jama, 22, told Radio Ergo that his income had tripled since he began trading there in July. He earns between $150 and $175 a week, which has enabled him to meet the needs of his family, including his wife and two children.
“I was merely living day-to-day before, but now I can support my family and even save money. Before, I relied entirely on daily expenses. Without this market, I wouldn’t have a stable place for my business, and renting temporary spots was unreliable, as the owner could demand it back anytime. Now, I have a secure place where I can’t be displaced,” Mohamed said.
Mohamed’s monthly income used to less than $200. He used to sell fish for seven years in a rented shop that cost him $100 per month. However, the number of customers was limited, as his store was in a residential area with few customers.
Although Mohamed is not a fisherman himself, he buys fish from fishermen at $2.5 per kilogram and resells it for $4.5. Without freezers he used to waste what he couldn’t sell and incurred losses.
“When there’s an abundance of fish, we need a place to store it. Previously, we lacked storage and had to rely on ordinary ice, which wasn’t sufficient. With this market, customers consistently come to buy, and storage is reliable,” said Mohamed.
Mohamed also supports his parents’ household financially, giving his mother, who raises three daughters, $120 a month. Before July, his income only covered basic daily needs. Since starting at the new market, he has saved $1,000.
Mohamed also works as a caretaker for the market, overseeing cleanliness, storage, and the maintenance of cold storage units, earning $200 a month paid by the Somaliland Development Fund, which sponsored the project.
“I manage the storage for every individual’s needs—whether they store 100 kilograms or 2,000 kilograms. Previously, I struggled to store surplus fish, but now I can preserve large quantities during good fishing seasons for sale during low seasons,” Mohamed explained.
Traders at the market don’t pay rent, electricity bills, or taxes. However, a fee of $0.10 per kilogram is charged for fish stored in the cold units.
Ismail Abdillahi Aden, 29, who started working at the Erigabo fish market in July, told Radio Ergo that his monthly earnings range from $200 to $300. He said his family had overcome their constant anxiety about their uncertain livelihood.
“Our lives were filled with hardship and scarcity, but now I can fully support my family, covering rent and all expenses. I no longer have complaints about meeting our daily needs,” said Ismail.
He has enrolled two of his four children in primary school, paying $30 monthly fees. He has already saved $700, which he plans to invest for the future. He had been doing electrical jobs making only $5 a day.
“This job fully meets my family’s needs. It’s a sustainable livelihood with potential for growth, given the income and savings I’ve been able to accumulate,” Ismail said.
The market has transformed the livelihoods of hundreds of low-income families, according to Ismail Mire, director of the Ministry’s Fisheries Department. Mire said the project had achieved its goal of boosting fishermen’s production and overcoming challenges such as fish spoilage and undervaluation due to a lack of storage and secure trading spaces.
“We believe this market is improving the fishermen’s economy, enhancing the community’s livelihood and nutrition, and encouraging more people to venture into fishing and fish trading. The project provides a reliable market where fishermen can store their catch and sell it locally or distribute it to other areas in Sanag and neighbouring regions,” Mire said.
The market eliminates the need for fishermen to work during stormy conditions or rough seas, reducing risks to their lives and equipment. The cold storage enables them to preserve their catch during off-seasons.
“When we assessed the project, the ministry and the fund collaborated to identify the fishermen’s most pressing needs. This project directly addresses their challenges. For now, there are no charges or taxes on the market because it’s a new initiative meant to empower the community. As the fishermen grow and become self-reliant, any necessary fees will be introduced gradually,” Mire explained.
The ministry has built fish markets in Burao and Berbera and is currently constructing markets in Borama and Wajaale. Somali fishermen largely remain disconnected from global markets due to their limited production, lack of expertise, insufficient equipment, and absence of international recognition.
