National Fish Consumption Day slated for Rundu

The 13th edition of National Fish Consumption Day (NFCD) and its associated activities is set to take place in Rundu, Kavango East.At the launch last Friday, National Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) CEO Victor Pea said this is the second-to-last annual NFCD, with the final one scheduled for next year in the Ohangwena Region.“The NFCD is an educational and CSI initiative to celebrate Namibia’s fisheries and was initiated in 2012 with the support of the ministry of fisheries. Thus far, 12 of the 14 regions have hosted the day, with Kavango East and Ohangwena regions remaining,” he said.He added that since its inception, NFCD gala dinners have raised a total of more than N$6.6 million, funds that have been invested in host regions’ basic education needs.“The day’s overarching objectives include engaging and educating the public in the host region about the health benefits of consuming fish and interacting with school-going children to impart skills on how to prepare and cook different fish through cooking demonstrations and tastings, as well as raising funds towards education," he explained.Packed schedule The NFCD fundraising gala dinner for this year's event is scheduled for 26 September. Netball and soccer tournaments will run from 15 to 24 September in Rundu for the group stages, followed by the semi-finals on 25 September and the finals on 27 September.The NFCD team will conduct school activations, educational events and sales roadshows from 18 to 25 September.A market day will take place on 27 September at the Rundu sports fields, where exhibitors will present their products. The event will feature fish cooking skills competitions, live music performances, and, if possible, a street parade to open the festivities.This year’s theme is 'Honour our catch, sustain our nation'.NFCPT board of trustees chair Suzan Ndjaleka explained: “Honour our catch is not merely about landing fish; it is about celebrating our fishermen, promoting healthy diets, creating livelihoods, and securing food security. Sustain our nation is a call to manage our fisheries responsibly, ensuring that prosperity reaches every corner of Namibia.”Healthy diet Ndjaleka added that significant progress has been made in the national per capita fish consumption rate.“According to the University of Namibia’s 2023 Per Capita Fish Consumption Report, national per capita consumption has risen from 16.59 kg in 2021 to 18.5 kg in 2023. This is a clear sign of changing dietary patterns, greater appreciation of fish as a primary protein source, and growing awareness of its health benefits," she said. Ndjaleka noted that the report confirms NFCPT fish shops are the leading source of fish in most regions.In Kavango West, 58.9% of residents rely on these outlets, followed by Oshana (50.2%) and Kavango East (49.7%). In Kavango East, horse mackerel dominates consumption, accounting for 85.6% of fish eaten. "Annual per capita consumption is 12.45 kg in rural areas and 18.03 kg in urban areas, highlighting the importance of proximity to supply, given our fish shop in Rundu. With local entrepreneurship, satellite fish shops could be established in underserved areas, reducing travel distances, increasing availability, and ensuring that even remote communities, such as Divundu, enjoy regular access to fish," she said. At the launch the NFCPT handed over N$50 000 to Kuisebmond Secondary School for its school hall project and pledged to support the school until it completes the hall, set to accommodate about 1 000 students.

National Fish Consumption Day slated for Rundu

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-19

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National Fish Consumption Day slated for Rundu

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-19

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