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MSSRF’s Fisher Friend Mobile Application now in Karnataka

MSSRF’s Fisher Friend Mobile Application now in Karnataka

September 2017: The Kannada version of the Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) an app that has helped transform lives and livelihoods of fishing communities in six Indian states, was launched on 5th Sep ’17. In Karnataka the app is being rolled out in Mangalore and Malpe in partnership with ICAR – CMFRI for piloting and scaling up among fisher folk inDakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. MSSRF developed the Pan-Indian FFMA in nine languages in partnership with Qualcomm to cover coastal states of India. FFMA acts as a decision support system and helps fishers to undertake informed decisions and thereby reduce risks and increase economic benefit.

More than 150 fishers who participated in the programme were given an overview of the tool and how it could support their livelihood. The pilot launch is an important step to refine the tool as it gives an opportunity to fisherfolk to experience the app and give constructive feedback for any required modifications. Ten fishermen were identified and a mobile handset was given to each of them for providing periodical feedback to strengthen the application.

Currently, FFMA is available in the Google Play Store and is being used by fisherfolk in six states including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal.