Socio-economic Characteristics of the Lake Victoria Fisheries

Abstract

This chapter presents a synthesis of socio-economic characteristics of Lake Victoria fisheries. This is discussed by examining changes in indicators such as employment, education and/ or literacy levels, age structure, incomes and contribution to the national economy. In addition, analyses on fishing equipment used, fish trade, industrial processing, fish prices, per capita consumption, diseases, gender dynamics and contribution to Gross Domestic Product and incomes are presented. This work is based on over 20 years of data collected on the lake's fisheries. Results indicate that the lake's fisheries have generated substantial socio-economic benefits for both the fishers and the exchequer. This is evidenced in the level of employment, which has doubled between 1993 and 2000 and is still increasing. The income generated has remained at the level of over 2 billion Tanzanian shillings (over USD 100 million) between 1996 and 2011. Individual fishers have also been earning between USD 100 and 400 annually. The chapter also presents the types of gear that have been used since 1900. It also discusses the fish species processed and traded. Essentially, it concludes that the lake's fisheries remain an important socio-economic resource for the riparian states and communities. PU - SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG PI - CHAM PA - GEWERBESTRASSE 11, CHAM, CH-6330, SWITZERLAND