We are deeply honoured to welcome Mr. Joseph Onyango Luomba as a Distinguished Keynote Speaker at the 4th FAR4ViBE Conference 2026. As a prominent researcher at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), his work has profoundly impacted the understanding of small-scale fisheries (SSF) and their critical role in the socio-economic fabric of East Africa.

Based at the Mwanza centre on Lake Victoria, Mr. Joseph Luomba's research focuses extensively on the socioeconomic assessments of fishing communities, fisheries governance, and the intricate links between fisheries, poverty, and development. His keynote will illuminate how small-scale fisheries shape food security, livelihoods, and inclusive governance.

His ongoing contributions to the implementation of small-scale fisheries guidelines play a crucial role in addressing challenges like illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Furthermore, his work emphasizes empowering artisanal fishers and equipping local communities with the capacity and knowledge necessary to ensure the sustainability of aquatic resources.

Through his keynote presentation, Joseph will outline the pathways required to reframe small-scale fisheries as a cornerstone of a truly sustainable Blue Economy across Africa, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity.