Education from the NFCPT has changed peoples perceptions of fish. Fish consumption has increased by 100 per cent since 2011, reports New Era.
Fish consumption in Namibia was previously one of the lowest in Africa, mainly due to the high price of fish.
The NFCPT marketing and communications manager, Charlene Hartung, is adamant that the fish sold by the trust is very affordable. The NFCPT sells horse-mackerel for N$18 or more at an average price of N$7.60 per kilogram (kg) and hake at N$18.70 per kg.
“This is the most affordable prices you can find anywhere in Namibia,” she told New Era.
The NFCPT is currently operating shops in Swakopmund, Windhoek, Gobabis, Keetmanshoop, Lüderitz, Rundu, Outapi, Opuwo, Ongwediva, Eenhana and Ondangwa. Plans are underway to open another shop at Walvis Bay in April this year.
The NFCPT receives a quota from government for horse-mackerel and hake. Ms Hartung explained that other species of fish are purchased at market prices from fishing companies, which the NFCPT sells to the public at reduced prices. However, the trust distributed 1800 metric tons (mt) in 2009, 2200mt in 2010 and 2500mt of fish in 2011 and above 5000mt in 2012.