National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Fisheries Resources Research Institute (FIRRI), P.O. Box 343, Jinja, Uganda. E-mail:firi@infocom.co.ug

Socio-economic implications of the fish exports in Uganda

Implications of fish export trade on the people and the fisheries resource of Lake Victoria, Uganda were investigated in September 1999. Eight fish factories and ninety fishers were investigated. Socio-economic characteristics of fishers and the economic characteristics of fish factories formed a basis for the analysis.

Since 1990, results indicate that fish factories have increased from 3 to 11 factories with their capacities and outputs expanded. Presently, there is a link between the artisan fisher-folk and the overseas export markets. This has stabilised and expanded the fish markets for artisan fisher-folk. Fishers (78%) attributed increased earnings and improved living standards (76%) to good changes in the fish market.

Nile perch exports do not directly effect Ugandan fisher-folk communities' fish protein requirements (73%). The price of Nile perch, however, influences the price of other locally preferred fish (tilapia) making it difficult to afford for poor domestic consumers and some fisher-folk communities. Unlike traditional processors and fisher crews, factory owners, middlemen, boat owners and local traders have greatly benefited from the export trade. A shift to low priced juvenile fish, as noted, has encouraged poor fishers to use illegal gear to fish because of affordability. Government needs to intervene to ensure sustainable exploitation of fish resource in view of the growing fish demand for the benefit of marginalized local stakeholders. Sustainability of the Lake Victoria fisheries should be addressed through collaborative management involving all stakeholders including fish factories and fishers.