Artisanal Inland Fisheries and Poverty Reduction in Tanzania

Abstract

This report is a result of the research work conducted between 2003 and 2004 at Nyumba ya Mungu Dam in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region. Initially, the data collected was to commence in April 2003, but was deferred to the March-May, 2004 period. Most of the data from field is mainly for the months of March through May, 2004. The purpose of the research is to: (i) Find out and assess how fishery resources, especially the artisanal fishery activities, can help in poverty reduction in small rural communities in the country; and (ii) To find out major obstacles that impose upon sustainable development of the artisanal fishery activities/economies, and recommend necessary action. In order to achieve the objective, four villages involved in fishing were deliberately selected from which data was collected by using relevant and convenient methods. The villages were Nyabinda, Kiti cha Mungu, Kagongo, Lang'ata Bora and Handeni. All villages, with the expectation of Handeni, were visited by the researcher. Data from Handeni was made available through the use of questionnaires, just like other villages, that was administered by research assistants. The organization of the study involves the preparation of a research proposal based on available literature. Background information has been obtained from documents both in the library, Pangani River Basin Organization (PRBO), the Division of Fishery at Mwanga District Office, as well as from discussions with fishery officials at the District Headquarters. The major findings include the current status of fishery activities at N.Y.M with flush points on fish catch decline, fishery management, processing, pricing, associated environmental degradation, water pollution, stakeholders’views and expectations. Most of the findings and analyses are either accompanied with tables, diagrams and figures or drawings (maps). The conclusion and recommendation point out current problems, who is responsible, and who and how to redress the situation in order to address the whole question of poverty reduction and achieve sustainable fishery development at N.Y.M. reservoir.