Do market opportunities for the nile perch matter in contributing to household income? Evidence from lake victoria fisheries in Tanzania
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Date
2021-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH)
Abstract
Increasingly fish marketing in Tanzania has become demand-driven. Recently, domestic and regional markets for
fish are emerging as lucrative business ventures. To what extent Lake Victoria Nile Perch marketing contributes to fishers,
processors, and traders’ income in the region remains unclear. This study specifically: (i) examined the marketing
opportunities of the Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in the Lake Victoria basin and its contribution to household income and (ii)
analyzed opportunities and challenges facing the Nile perch value chain actors. Random sampling was employed to select 100
fishers, processors, and traders. A structured questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection. A multiple regression
model was used to estimate the causal effect relationship between fish market opportunities and the income earned. Results
indicate that the size of the business capital, knowledge of fish quality control, and bookkeeping were statistically positive and
significantly contributed to increased household income at P<0.01. The quantity of fish sold per month shows a significant
contribution to household income at p<0.05. The freshness of fish was an important attribute affecting customers' attraction,
thereby increasing the income of the fisheries. Weak institutional support forms another potential constraint for Nile perch
stakeholders from realizing the benefits of integration in the regional market. The fish chain actors need to develop
appropriate marketing strategies such as segmenting the market according to consumers’ preferences to exploit new market
opportunities. There is a need to promote policies that support strengthening domestic and regional fish markets for
increasing employment opportunities, household income, and economic growth. A comprehensive policy analysis governing
fish marketing arrangement and credit markets remains a potential area for further research.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Nile perch, Lake Victoria, Value chain, Market opportunities, Fish attributes