About Siffs
Siffs: Empowering Small-Scale Artisanal Fish Workers in Kerala
The South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS) is a non-governmental organization that has been working tirelessly to empower small-scale artisanal fish workers in the marine fisheries sector. Based out of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, SIFFS is the apex body of organizations that represent these workers and has a three-tier organizational structure.
SIFFS was established with the aim of promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving the socio-economic conditions of small-scale fish workers. The organization works towards achieving this goal by providing various services and support to its members, including training programs, financial assistance, marketing support, and advocacy.
One of SIFFS' primary objectives is to promote sustainable fishing practices among its members. The organization recognizes that overfishing can have severe consequences on marine ecosystems and can lead to a decline in fish populations. To address this issue, SIFFS provides training programs on sustainable fishing techniques such as selective fishing methods, gear modification techniques, and responsible harvesting practices.
In addition to promoting sustainable fishing practices, SIFFS also provides financial assistance to its members through various schemes such as micro-credit loans for income-generating activities like fish farming or setting up small businesses related to fisheries. This support helps improve the socio-economic conditions of small-scale artisanal fish workers who often struggle with poverty due to low incomes from their work.
Marketing support is another critical service provided by SIFFS. The organization helps its members market their products effectively by providing them with access to markets both within India and abroad. This support includes organizing trade fairs where members can showcase their products directly to potential buyers.
Advocacy is another essential aspect of SIFFS' work. The organization represents the interests of small-scale artisanal fish workers at various forums such as government bodies or international organizations like FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). SIFFS advocates for policies that promote sustainable fishing practices and improve the socio-economic conditions of small-scale fish workers.
SIFFS' three-tier organizational structure comprises primary societies, district federations, and the apex body. The primary societies are local organizations that represent small-scale artisanal fish workers at the grassroots level. The district federations are umbrella organizations that bring together several primary societies in a particular district. Finally, the apex body is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all activities of SIFFS.
In conclusion, SIFFS is an essential organization working towards empowering small-scale artisanal fish workers in Kerala's marine fisheries sector. Through its various services and support programs, SIFFS promotes sustainable fishing practices while improving the socio-economic conditions of its members. With its three-tier organizational structure, SIFFS has been successful in representing the interests of small-scale fish workers at various forums and advocating for policies that benefit them.