Assessing the impact of nile perch fishing on livelihood outcomes of small-scale fishers in like Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the Impact of Nile Perch fishing on the livelihood outcomes of small-scale fishers in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The study was conducted in Musoma Municipality in the Mara region. Specifically, the study asserted the levels of livelihood outcomes among Nile Perch small- scale fishers in Lake Victoria; then examined whether Nile perch fishing contributes to the livelihood outcomes of small-scale fishers in Lake Victoria; and finally, analysed the factors affecting the sustainability of livelihood outcomes of Nile perch small-scale fishers in Lake Victoria. The study was guided by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach. A case study and descriptive designs were applied to this study. Similarly, the qualitative approach was applied in this study because it utilizes words and images. A sample size of 110 people was selected using both purposive and probability sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and documentation review. Correspondingly, data were analysed by the use of qualitative methods using a flexible and suitable procedure called thematic and content analysis. The descriptive data analysis was applied to provide vital insight into frequency counts, and percentages, and find out associations of data using correlations across tabulations between variables. The results show that Nile Perch fishing is a significant source of income for the households of Nile Perch small-scale fishers, contributing to asset acquisition and economic stability. The majority of respondents reported being satisfied with their livelihood outcomes from fishing. Nonetheless, significant financial difficulties have been experienced due to income fluctuations and rising input costs. Coupled with that, there was an incidence of inadequate skills and knowledge among Nile Perch small-scale fishers on asset management and sustainability. The study concludes that despite the challenges that fishing activities pose to small-scale fishers, the income earned through Nile Perch fishing plays a pivotal role in addressing various necessities essential for sustaining livelihoods. However, there are still abundant that have not yet been done in the fishing community concerning Nile Perch fishing activities on the livelihood outcomes of small-scale fishers in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Therefore, there is a need for the government and stakeholders to enforce a regulatory framework to accommodate the unmet constraints to the Nile Perch fishing activities in Lake Victoria. The study recommends enhancing income diversification strategies, asset management skills, and knowledge to ensure long-term household economic stability. Additionally, awareness of food security programs and addressing factors such as gender inequality, theft, climate change, and the need for entrepreneurial skills require attention.