This report presents an evaluation of a fisheries program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by AECOM International South Sudan (AECOM) under the South Sudan Transition and Conflict Mitigation (SSTCM) Program in the Sobat River Corridor. The program’s purpose was to direct quick-impact conflict mitigation and stabilization programming to one of South Sudan’s most volatile regions, in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. USAID believes that the development of fisheries-based livelihoods in the Sobat River Basin represents a potentially important response to ongoing violence and community insecurity associated with cattle-raiding and inter-clan clashes in this region of South Sudan.

The USAID-funded project initially engaged a consultant fisheries expert, the author, to provide technical analysis and guidance regarding appropriate technology, investments, and management for the fisheries activities. The key findings of the initial assessment included the following: 1) Fishermen lacked money for, and access to, nets and hooks – the primary means of harvest; 2) The fishermen were limited by a lack of training in business and accounting skills to better manage the fisheries; 3) Transportation to markets for dried and—in particular fresh—fish is severely limited by security, logistical, resource, and political constraints but can be enhanced through the provision of fiberglass fishing canoes and delivery boats and increased availability of fuel; 4) Construction of fish markets and provision of ice would increase the quality of fresh fish sold; 5) Training in various fish processing techniques is needed; and 6) Training in fiberglass repair, motorboat handling and engine maintenance is necessary when canoes and boats are provided.

In early 2013, the fisheries expert returned for an evaluation of these SSTCM-supported activities, the conclusions of which are the key focus of this report.
Key findings include:
-The Sobat River Basin is an incredibly rich source of fish that is currently exploited well below its sustainable level of harvesting.
-Fishing has reduced dependency on cattle as the sole livelihood option and mitigates the negative impact of conflict on communities by serving as an alternative food source during insecure times.
-Fishing provides opportunities for mutually-beneficial economic engagement between groups that reconfigures what are sometimes only zero-sum relations.
-There are strong indications that the program was successful in preventing and mitigating conflict.
-Success of fishing ventures depends strongly on the continuing interest and commitment of the groups involved. It is clear that SSTCM investments have led to a sustainable increase in fishing yields in the region. There is reason for optimism, but it will ultimately depend on both the fishermen’s interest and ingenuity in meeting challenges they will certainly face, as well as factors outside of their control, such as insecurity.
-The leadership of local government and CBOs play a particularly large role in successful implementation.
-Significant profits have been realized through SSTCM-supported fisheries activities. However, additional investments in appropriate technologies and market linkages will yield higher returns on investment.
-Conflict remains a significant constraint to fishermen seeking optimal yields, however not considerably more so than for other livelihood options.
-Despite the potential for strong returns on investment, lack of access to start-up capital constrains most local fishermen from entering the market.
-A hands-on approach to implementation by SSTCM created a bond with the fishermen and increased the likelihood that new ideas presented by SSTCM were accepted.
-Capital has been secured by fishermen to transport dried fish from Akobo to Juba.
-Additional youth have joined with the existing SSTCM fishermen or started new fishermen’s groups. Capital for purchase of nets and hooks for these youth was reported to have been provided by SSTCM fishermen.

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