Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Commenntby Behailu Dr.
Commenntby Behailu Dr.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF FISH PRODUCTION IN
LAKE TANA: THE CASE OF TAKUSA WOREDA
September, 2020
Gondar
Gondar, Ethiopia
i
THESIS APPROVAL SHEET
As member of the Board of Examiners of the Master of Art (M.A.) thesis open defense
examination, we have evaluated this thesis prepared by Mr. Nigusu Goshe entitled ‟ Challenges
and Opportunities of Fish Production in Lake Tana: The Case of Takusa Woreda”. We
hereby certify that the thesis is accepted for fulfilling the requirements for the award of the
degree of Master of Art in Geography and Environmental Studies.
Board of Examiners
________________________ __________________________ ______________
Name of External Examiner Signature Date
______________________ __________________________ _______________
Name of Internal Examiner Signature Date
______________________ ___________________________ ________________
Name of Chair Person Signature Date
ii
Declaration
I declare that this research thesis entitled ‟ Challenges and Opportunities of Fish Production in
Lake Tana: The Case of Takusa Woreda”is my original work submitted for the award of Degree
of Masters of Geography and Environmental studies at University of Gondar. It has not been
presented for the award of any degree in any university and all sources used have been duly
acknowledged.
This Thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as university supervisor.
iii
AKNOWLEDGMENT
First and for most, I would like to thank Almighty God for his perfect protection and gave me a
wisdom, health and strength to complete this study.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude and genuine appreciation to my advisor Mr. Belete
Gelanewfor his unreserved help, and critical comment from the beginning up to the completion
of this thesis.I would like to thanks also my Co-advisor to Mr. Mulat Tilahun for all sorts of
assistance he rendered to me that were critical for the timely completion of the study.
My deepest gratitude also goes to Takusa woreda fishery development office workers specially
Mr. Birhanu Teshome, Mr. Angawu Zewudu and Adina Abebe respectively for their support
during field survey and data collection.
Finally,I would like to thanksto my wife to Asnakech Adane and to all my best friend in general
and those who helped me in any contribution towards the completion of my study, may God
bless all of them.
The researcher also likes to thank the participants in the survey, who have willingly shared their
valuable time during the process of interviewing and filling questionnaires.
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Table of contents
Contents Page
AKNOWLEDGMENT ................................................................................................................................ iv
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. viii
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ viii
ACRONYM ................................................................................................................................................. xi
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................ xii
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of the Study ................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Statement of the problem ................................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Objectives of the Study ...................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1. General Objective ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2. Specific Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.4. Research Questions ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.5. Significance of the Study ................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Delimitation of the Study .................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Concept and Meaning of Fish Production........................................................................................... 7
2.2. Opportunities provided in the practice of fish production ................................................................. 8
2.2.1. Exploitation of fish resources ..................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2. Fishing technology ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.3. Seasonality in the fishery ............................................................................................................ 9
2.2.4. The sustainable livelihood approach ......................................................................................... 10
2.3. The contribution of small scale fisheries ......................................................................................... 11
2.3.1. Contribution to Poverty Alleviation .......................................................................................... 11
2.3.2. Contribution to Food Security at Household Level .................................................................. 12
2.4. Potential Challenges of Fishery ....................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 water hyacinth ............................................................................................................................ 13
2.4.2. Overfishing ............................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.3. Fish Demand ............................................................................................................................. 15
2.5. Fishing and fish production in Ethiopia ........................................................................................... 18
v
2.5.1. Fish Demand and supply pattern in Ethiopia .......................................................................... 18
2.5.2. Lake Tana fishery...................................................................................................................... 19
2.5.3. Socio-economic features of the community .............................................................................. 20
2.6. Sustainability in fishery production ................................................................................................. 21
2.6.1. Fishery management ................................................................................................................. 22
2.6.2. Household fish consumption and preference for fish species ................................................... 23
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................... 25
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................. 25
3.1 Description of the Study Area ........................................................................................................... 25
3.1.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................... 25
3.1.2 Population of Takusa woreda ..................................................................................................... 26
3.1.3 Climate ....................................................................................................................................... 26
3.1.4 Topography and Soil .................................................................................................................. 27
3.2 Research Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 27
3.2.1. Research Design........................................................................................................................ 28
3.2.2 Research Approach .................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.3. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques .................................................................................... 28
3.2.3 1 Sampling Techniques .............................................................................................................. 28
3.2.1 Sample size determination ......................................................................................................... 29
3.2.4. Data Collection Methods and sources ....................................................................................... 30
3.2.5. Methods of Data Analysis ......................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER FOUR....................................................................................................................................... 33
4. RESULT AND DISCUSION ................................................................................................................. 33
4.1 Demographic characteristics ............................................................................................................. 33
4.1.1 Age of respondent ...................................................................................................................... 33
4.1.2 Educational status of respondents .............................................................................................. 34
4.1.3 Religion, family size and marital status ..................................................................................... 35
4.2 Income distribution of the respondents ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3 Work experience of respondents ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1. Educational status and amount of fish production .................................................................... 37
4.4.2 Work experience and fish production ........................................................................................ 38
4.5 Major challenges faced fisher men to practice fishing in Lake Tana Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.1. The presence of high distance from home the lake ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.2 Types of fishing materials .......................................................................................................... 40
4.5.2.1 Types of gill nets for fish production ...................................................................................... 40
vi
4.4.3 Problems of fishing markets ...................................................................................................... 41
4.5.4 Status of license in the study area .............................................................................................. 41
4.5.5 Reason for the absence of license .............................................................................................. 42
4.5.6. The extent of spoilage of fish product....................................................................................... 42
4.5.9. Fish demand of the community ................................................................................................. 44
4.5.10 occurrence of theft case............................................................................................................ 45
4.5.12. The major challenges of fish production................................................................................. 46
4.6 Opportunities that enhance fish production ...................................................................................... 46
4.6.3 The availability of training......................................................................................................... 48
4.6.4 The availability of credit for fishing practice............................................................................. 49
4.6.5 The amount of fish production ................................................................................................... 50
4.7 The livelihood contribution of fishery for fishermen ........................................................................ 50
4.7.1 The importance of fishery for their life ...................................................................................... 50
4.7.2 The existence of activities related to fishing .............................................................................. 51
CHAPETR FIVE ........................................................................................................................................ 53
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................... 53
5.1. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 53
5.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 55
References ................................................................................................................................................... 56
Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 64
Appendix I. ................................................................................................................................................. 64
Appendix ii.................................................................................................................................................. 70
Appendix iii ................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
vii
List of Tables
Table3.2.1 list of selected kebeles and number of respondent selected from each kebeles. ........ 30
Table 4.1.3 religion family size and marital status of the respondent .......................................... 35
Table 4.4.1 the association between educational status and amount of fish production per day in
kilogram ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Table 4.4.2 the association between work experiences with amount of fish production.............. 38
Table 4.5.1 information on distance from the home to Lake Tana ............................................... 39
Table 4.5.8 reason for spoilage of fish before sale or consumption ............................................. 43
Table 4.6.1 information on the place where people practice fishing ............................................ 46
Table 4.7.1 view of respondent on the importance of fishery for their life .................................. 50
ix
List of figures
x
ACRONYMS
ANRS................Amhara National Regional State
ARARI………... Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute
ARARI ………. Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute
BNP……………Big number program
CGAZ…………. Central Gondar Administrative Zone
EARO…………...Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization
EFSSA…………. Ethiopian Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Association
GDP……………. Gross Domestic Product
LFDP…………... Lake fisheries development project
PAFFA…………. Pan African Fish and Fisheries Association
SPSS……………Statistical Package for Social Science
TWAO…………Takusa woreda agricultural office
UN……………...UNITED NATION
US ……………. UNITED STATE
WME…………...Watershed Monitoring and Evaluation
xi
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in Amhara regional state, central Gondar administrative zone, Takusa
woreda with the aim of investigate challenges, opportunities and the livelihood contribution of
fish production for fishermen. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to
select five site and 124 sample respondents, respectively, based on nearness to the lake. The
sample size used determined by using Yemane formula and then respondents selected randomly
to reduce any bias and make it representative. Both primary and secondary data were collected
and used. Primary data were collected through questionnaire, key informant interview and field
observation. The quantitative data were analyzed through simple descriptive statistics like
percentage by using statistical package for social science (SPPS version 20) and presented
through tables. The inferential staticslike chi square were also used. The result of the study
revealed that the local people practice fishing activity throughout the year, but there was low
demand of the society for fish production. Fish production have a significant correlation with
educational status and work experience. Beside this, lack of fishing tools, low demand,
occurrences of theft case, low skill in fishing, involvement of illegal fishermen were the major
challenges that hinder fisher men to produce more. The study also revealed that the availability
of Lake Tana, which is highly suitable for fish production, production throughout the year,
availability of varieties of fish species, availability of training and credit were the major
opportunities that exist to enhance fish production in the study area. Beside this, the study
revealed that the major livelihood contribution of fishery was source of food, supplementary
income, job opportunity. Finally, the study revealed that the involvement of illegal fishermen
increased from time to time and the fish demand of the society decreased. Therefore, Takusa
woreda fishery development offices and other stakeholders should give due attention to keep
good opportunity and to reduce the problem and challenge of fish production in lake Tana
addressed in the study.
xii
CHAPTER ONE
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
Fish is an important food item that has significant socioeconomic contribution as a source
of income, employment and cheap protein for marginal people in developing countries
including Ethiopia (Asmare et al, 2015).
Fisheries are one of livelihood strategies that have contributed much to people in
developing countries. It is one of the vital strategies for the poor to achieve food, income
and other social benefits. For instance, it serves as an important source of diet for over one
billion people (Erkie et. al, 2016.)
Inland fisheries are particularly important for the food security of poor people; as most
inland fish production goes for subsistence or local consumption (FAO 2004). It was
estimated that more than 56 million people were directly involved in inland fisheries in the
developing world in 2009 (BNP, 2009 and Welcomme RL, 2010).
The Global commercial production for human use of fish and other aquatic organisms
occurs in two ways: they are either captured wild by commercial fishing or they are
cultivated and harvested using agricultural and farming techniques (Global Fish Alliance,
2010). Tropical freshwaters contribute 15 percent of the world’s reported capture fishery
production and only 0.2 percent of the global aquatic surface area (FAO, 2012).
The fishery industry has been of critical importance to the economy and to the social well-
being of humanity. It provides a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade and
economic wellbeing for people throughout the world. However, current harvest trends and
fishery conditions put these attributes of the industry at risk. It is threatened with problems
of overexploitation, environmental degradation and consequently unrecovered resources
resulting in loss of its potentials. Fish resources, although renewable, are not infinite and
need to be properly managed, if their contribution to the nutritional, economic and social
well-being of the growing world's population is to be sustained (FAO, 1995).
1
In Ethiopia would have great contribution to the economy. This is because fisheries
provide employment, food & income and it makes possible evaluation of overexploitation
of the fisheries. Since fishery production is overexploited due to inappropriate fishing
practice, the potential of fish was underdeveloped and the management rule and regulation
at federal level and regional level to control the devastation was very poor. This shows that
the government attention for fish management was very poor (Janko, 2014).
Moreover, fisheries management experts recognize that the underlying causes of fisheries
resource over-exploitation and environmental degradation are often of social, economic,
institutional and/or political origins. The primary concerns of fisheries management,
therefore, should address the relationship of fisheries resource to human welfare and the
conservation of the resources for future generations. That is the main focus of fisheries
management should be people, not fish per se. Policy interventions, if they are to bring
about lasting solutions, must address these concerns (Pomeroy 1995). Therefore, it is
essential and timely to study on the fish production and fishing activity of the Lake Tana
for sustainable utilization.
Fisheries production is also under-exploited while current demand exceeds supply by about
four-fold. One of the big and immediate challenges of our country is addressing the
problems of food security and poverty. Currently, about 45% of the total population is
living under poverty and the level of impoverishment is worse in rural areas, where 85% of
the total inhabitant’s dwell (Silesh, 2013).
At present access to all lakes is basically open to all, anyone who wants may start to fish.
There is no control either on the quality or the quantity of the fishing effort. The number of
fishermen on the lake is increasing from time to time. The use of illegal and non-
sustainable fishing gear is a common practice. This situation is clearly untenable. The issue
of appropriate management is an urgent need to address if the contribution of the fishery as
a source of food, income and employment and a means of promoting community stability
for the majority of the population around the lake is to be continued (Abdurrahman, 2002).
2
The existing fisheries production in Lake Tana is traditional. Because of traditional
production system and poor management practice, the fishermen as a whole in this area are
getting low income from these fisheries, failed for problems. It looks and approved from
fishers there is a decline in the population of fish in the sub-basin over the past years.
While all the reasons for the decline are not entirely known, it is agreed that a combination
including, loss of habitat, drying of rivers because of over utilization for irrigation,
overfishing, illegal fishing tools and time and various forms of pollution, are all
contributing and interwoven factors. Therefore, stocking of fish is one of the many
management strategies to help replenish the population for years to come (Dagnew and
Aboytu, 2015).
Currently, the traditional style of cattle ranching is rather becoming a major threat to the
environment, causing irreversible damage on ecological structures and bio-diversity.
Hence, the question now is to look for a better alternative source of animal protein that is
environmentally friendly. The ways in which government or other institutions intervene to
the alternative source of animal protein is fish farming and effective sustainable utilization
of existing potential fish resource (Aytegeb, 2013).
3
Therefore, the purpose of this study was be to investigate the main challenges and
opportunities of traditional fish production and its livelihood contribution of fishery for
fishingcommunity in Takusa woreda.
In the context of Lake Tana where the present study was conducted there are different
researches. For example, Tewabe (2015) has conducted to generate baseline scientific
information/ data about economically important and commonly found species for
management and sustainable utilization of the resources, and recommend ways and means
of conserving the diversity and stock of the fauna of L. Tana. Gebremedhin,et al (2013)
have made a research entitled Determining factor for fisher’ income: the case of lake
Tana,Ethiopia Bahir Dar University, Erkie(2016) shown that fisheries are one of
livelihood strategies that have contributed significantly to the improvement of life quality
in developing countries, Aytegeb(2013) attempted to examine socio-economic and
institutional factors influencing fishery resource utilization of Lake Tana and
Dagnew(2015) studied about the challenges and mitigations of fisheries in Tana-Sub basin.
However, the above studies are different from the present study since they focused on
management aspects and determining factors for fisheries income. Besides in the study
areathere is no well documented research output about the challenges and opportunities of
fish production.
Taking into account the gaps that the above researches’ left this thesis is designed to
investigate the challenges and opportunities of fish production and its livelihood
contribution of fishery for fishing community in Takusa wereda.
4
The rationale to focus on the challenge and opportunities of fish production in Lake Tana
arises from the above justifications and from the researcher’s physical observation.
Accordingly, local people fisheries who are engaging in fishing in Lake Tana seem
unsatisfied. Besides, the production level is decreasing from time to time. The amount of
fish caught were not proportional to the population and now a day the consumption habit
of local people decreased as there was no readily available fish in the market. So, if this
trend continued, the existence of fish species diversity decreased and even depletion of fish
species would happen in the study area.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the challenge and opportunities of
fish production and its livelihood contribution of fishery for fishermen and fishing
community in Takusa wereda.
2 To assess opportunities existed to enhance the practice of fishing in the study area;
and
5
1.4. Research Questions
The basic research questions to be answered by the study are the following:
1 What are the major livelihood challenges of fishing in the selected site?
2 What are the opportunities that exist to enhance fish production in the study area?
2. it is also hope that the study may be used as a starting clue for researchers to the need
for further studies in relation to challenges and opportunities of fish production.
6
CHAPTER TWO
According to Breuil (1995) fishing covers marine and freshwater activities, and target
species living in the wild or in captivity. It includes activities involving animals that are
not fish in a zoological sense, for example, crustaceans like crab’s shrimp and lobster;
shellfish like oysters and mussels; and cephalopods like octopus and squid. These activities
provide a range of food and non-food products for sale or subsistence.
Ecologically, fish production is defined as the elaboration of fish tissue per unit time per
unit area, regardless of whether or not tissue survives to the end of a given time period. It
is usually calculated as the product of mean growth rate and initial biomass of a fish size
class, summed over all sizes. As a broad measure, fish production integrates individual fish
growth and processes that drive demographic change in fish populations (birth,
immigration, death, emigration) (Thoman, et al. 1968)
Fishing is vital to Africa, supporting annual exports worth about US$3 000 million. Fish
are crucial to the health of 200 million Africans, providing a source of inexpensive protein,
and income for over 10 Million people engaged in fish production, processing and trade.
The fishing sector also plays an important role in the alleviation of poverty and general
food security in Africa. In Malawi, the FAO states that 70 per cent of dietary animal
protein is derived from fish, and the fishing sector constitutes a major source of income
and livelihood for more than 300 000 people.
Lakes in Africa support 16-17 percent of inland fishery (sithole 2000). Across much of the
continent, lake fisheries provide an important source of food and livelihood for millions of
7
people. Yet these benefits are at risk as the exploitation of natural fish stocks is reaching its
limit and aquaculture production has not yet fulfilled its potential (FAO 2004).
The general view seems to be that the lakes in the south are heavily exploited. For 8
important landing sites on lakes, (FAO 2003) estimated that off take exceeds 60% of
potential in 7 sites and 80% in 5 sites (including Awassa where off take is estimated at
140% of potential). Only in Lake Tana is off take estimated to be dramatically less than
potential (15%).
8
Breuil (1995) noted the small size of fish and declines in landings in lakes Awassa and
Ziway. Anecdotal evidence also comes from fish traders in Addis Ababa, whose sources
are largely but not exclusively the lakes in the south. The traders consistently claim that
fish size is declining. One interviewee had noticed a marked difference in supply
(difficulty in obtaining required volumes) in the last two years. This view, of heavy
exploitation of resources in the southern lakes, is also endorsed by Dr Eshete (fisheries
scientist at ARARI in Bahir Dar, personal communication).
Closely associated with the lake fishery are: (a) the natural seasonal ponds (mostly on the
eastern shore) that are linked to the lake and flood during the rains—producing tilapia or
catfish, and (b) the rivers which are important spawning grounds for Lake Barbus
(particularly three rivers that drain into the lake, the Goumera, Magetchi and Derma).
The vast majority of fishermen use tanqwa—traditional reed boats (which numbered nearly
400 in 1998, according to Tegegne (2003), and numbers are likely to have increased since).
For the whole lake, there are fewer than 25 motorized fishing boats, most of which land
their catch in Bahir Dar (either directly or via collector boats). Traditionally, the lake was
only fished by the indigenous tribe, but recently, with improved marketing prospects,
9
fishing has been taken up on a part-time basis by the long-established agricultural migrant
community (i.e. migrants who came to the area more than 100 years ago and now represent
the dominant group) (Gordon et al2007).
Sustainable livelihoods as a goal are grounded in the real lives of the people and mean
achieving "good life" which would include characteristics such as: meaningful work,
meeting basic needs, health, security, and living within an equitable and just society and in
a working environment. Sustainable livelihood also creates new ways of living that enable
people to meet their varied and interwoven needs without compromising the supporting
ecosystems and their community. Sustainable livelihoods as an approach are rooted in
particular people in specific places making decisions about sustaining themselves and their
10
families. The approach is based on people's daily struggles, and builds upon their myriad
strengths, which encompass many different priorities and strategies. Sustainable
livelihoods approaches, with their structure and diversity, help to find ways to understand
the peoples’ living situation and the many dimensions, dynamics and persistence of
poverty in a holistic manner and more importantly, ways of finding solutions towards a
better future. Achieving sustainable livelihoods requires the integration of local knowledge
and community strengths with contemporary science, appropriate technology, thus
enabling cross-sectorial policies, effective and transparent governance structures, education
and training, and credit and investment. Thus, sharing and bringing individual approaches
(local and scientific knowledge) together, it may also help to find new ways of
approaching poverty and development especially in developing countries as sustainable
livelihoods are about local, self-sustaining solutions within a larger system. However, this
could suppress peoples' very real knowledge, abilities, and opportunities
(http://sdgateway.net/livelihoods/ introduction.htm).
An estimated 90 percent for the 38 million people recorded by the FAO globally as fishers
and fish-farmers are classified as small-scale (FAO, 2004). In additional more than 100
million people are estimated to be employed in other fisheries associated occupations,
11
particularly in processing and trading, bringing the total estimated to be directly or
indirectly employed in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture to be about 138 million in
2002 (Beyene, 2007).
If fish (as a subsistence product for fishing households) is potentially an important source
of direct food security, its contribution through generation of incomes derived from labor-
wages and fish commercialization, can also make it an important indirect source of food
security (FAO, 2004). Harvesting, processing and marketing fish generates livelihoods,
employment and income for millions of people around the world. Although employment
cannot be taken as the firm assurance of food security for these people, it should be
emphasized that in a significant number of cases, small-scale fishing activities take place in
rural areas where alternative employment opportunities may be scarce or even non-
existent. In these circumstances, access to fishery resources for harvest, processing and/or
trade may represent the only option available for making a living and maintaining food
purchasing power. Fishing as a secondary or complementary activity can thus be essential
for rural households both in terms of income and food security.
12
quality of protein in largely vegetable and starch-based diets by providing essential amino
acids. FAO (2006) has estimated that fish accounts for approximately 20 percent of animal
protein consumption in developing countries. However, this is not the case of in Ethiopia
where people do not include fish in their daily diet (Getahun and Stiassny, 1998).
In Ethiopia, this weed was officially first reported about 60 years ago in Koka Lake and the
Awash River (Stroud, 1994). Water hyacinth infestation in Ethiopia has been manifested
on a large scale in many water bodies of the country. The introduction and rapid spread of
this weed in the Awash River Basin (Koka Lake, Koka Dam), Abbay River Basin (Lake
Tana, Blue Nile), Baro-Akobo River Basin (Sobate, Baro, Gillo and Pibor rivers) and Rift
Valley Basins System (Lake Ellen, Lake Abaya, Lake Elltoke), has created serious
problems for the use of the water as a resource. The major problems include: hindrance to
water transport, disrupting hydro-electric operations, blockage of canals and rivers, causing
flooding and human health problem, increased evapotranspiration, interference with
fishing, irrigation, navigation, livestock watering and reduction of biodiversity (Hailu et
al., 2004, ).
13
Comprehensive local estimates of economic impacts of water hyacinth in the affected areas
of the Ethiopian water bodies have not been done yet, except for the Wonji-Shoa Sugar
estate which incurred about US$ 100,000 in total from 2000 to 2013 for the control of this
weed (Firehun et al., 2014). For Ethiopia, which has an economy highly dependent on
agriculture and high population growth, it is prudent to effectively manage its water
resources. Moreover, since most of the rivers affected by water hyacinth in Ethiopia cross
the country border and feed neighboring countries, effective management of the local
water resources would benefit livelihoods of riparian residents in the neigh bouring
countries.
Methods to control and contain the weed in Ethiopia include manual as well as mechanical
clearing and in some spots also chemical control. Use of herbicides, even though effective,
is not popular in Ethiopia because of high costs and pollution problems (Dula et al., 2008;
Taye et al., 2009). Therefore, the success of these methods of control has been rather
limited. In contrast, successful biocontrol of water hyacinth is long lasting, cost efficient
and safe (Julien et al., 2001). Besides, various reports indicate that the use of chemical and
mechanical methods to control water hyacinth would provide only temporary relief, and
for a sustainable, long-term solution it appears necessary to employ an integrated approach
in which biological control agents play a key role (Charudattan, 2001). Use of biological
agents for water hyacinth control includes arthropods and pathogens. Among the
arthropods, the mite Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork, the moths Acigona infusella
Walker and Sameodes albiguttalis (Warren), the miridae Eccritotarsus catarinensis
Carvalho, and weevils (Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache) are
generally considered as good candidates. Among the pathogens, controlled experimental
studies have confirmed that Acremonium zonatum, Alternaria eichhorniae, A. alternata,
Bipolaris spp., Cercospora piaropi (Cercospora rodmanii), Drechslera hawaiiensis,
Fusarium equiseti, F. pallidoroseum, Rhizoctonia solani, Myrothecium advena, Sclerotinia
sclerotiorum, and Ulocladium atrum significantly reduce this weed’s biomass. Overall,
numerous bioagents have been released for the control of water hyacinth. However,
diverging level of success of these agents have been attained in different parts of the world.
In Ethiopia, although water hyacinth is present for the last 60 years, its biocontrol using
14
plant pathogens and insect pests has seldom been attempted, and if done it was mainly to
identify potential biological agents. For instance, a survey carried out in the Gambella
region (during the 1970s) confirmed prevalence of the fungus C. rodmanii with 5-15%
level of infestations (Stroud, 1994). Moreover, aphids were recorded. Another survey
conducted in the Awash River showed aphid and mite infestations on water hyacinth
(Stroud, 1994). Despite the presence of highly virulent fungal pathogens and effective
weevils against water hyacinth, none of them have been utilized to control this aquatic
weed in Ethiopia up till now. Hence, an in-depth evaluation of the most potential bioagents
in water hyacinth management in the country is crucial.
2.4.2. Overfishing
Inland fisheries have increased throughout the last half century reaching about nine million
tons in 2002, although this trend has been accompanied in many lake and river systems by
overfishing and the collapse of individual large, valuable species. “Ecosystem overfishing”
has occurred as the species assemblage is fished down and fisheries use smaller nets to
catch smaller and less valuable species (Allan et al., 2005).
i. First, fish has not been integrated into the diet of most of the population. ii. Second,
because of religious influences on consumption patterns, the demand for fish is only
seasonal. During lent, for example, Christians who abstain from eating meat, milk and eggs
consume fish. iii. The other factors that contribute to the low level of consumption are the
limited supply of the product and its high price.
15
Fresh fish is produced in the Great Rift Valley lakes and in some other northern parts of
the country. Price wise, too, fish is relatively expensive compared with the local prices of
vegetables
And grains on a unit weight basis, but it is frequently less costly than alternative animal
protein sources. With increased marketing efforts and increase in supply, the demand for
the fish product could be tremendously increased from the current level (Assefa 2014).
However, at the 4th Pan African Fisheries and Fish Association (PAFFA) conference held
in September 2008 at Addis Ababa, Although Ethiopia is endowed with resources (land,
water & fish species), the contribution of the fishery sector to the country’s GDP is still
minimal. Several factors can be mentioned of which the following are important ones. 1.
Lack of recognition (fishery was and is still under livestock), 2. Absence of universities
dealing fisheries and aquaculture (till recently) & hence lack of trained personnel. 3. Poor
coordination among stakeholders, 4. Poor enforcement of decrees, 5. High turnover of the
fishery staffs into other sectors and 6. Weak extension services and linkage despite the
challenges of the sector there are also good opportunities which can be used for the
development of the fishery production and utilization in general. Some of these are:
government policies and development strategies (irrigation, hydropower development, and
so on), suitable agro-ecologies, water bodies (surface & ground), diversity of fish species,
higher learning institutions dealing on fisheries and aquaculture (e.g. Addis Ababa, Bahir
Dar, Ambo and Hawassa universities) and increasing public awareness.
Lake Tana is the home to commercial fish and globally threatened intact flocks of
cyprinids. Currently the lake supports dense and poor local communities. The efforts
needed to meet the needs of an additional million people over the next decades will be
immense. The water level of the lake over the last 10 years has dropped by about 1-
2m.This condition (not invasive water hyacinths) has caused difficulty to shipping and the
fishing industry. Furthermore, the high silt load has had noticeable impact. • It is clear that
the development of the lake's resources can only be meaningful and sustainable when the
following principles are met: precaution, prevention, integration and public participation.
We have to work together to increase awareness of the costs of inaction i.e. of the price
16
economies to be paid for lax environmental management and ecological degradation. • A
number of potential management and policy challenges may significantly affect the aquatic
system and fisheries in the lake. Measures to try to restore and stabilize the fish ecology in
the lake might have unforeseen effects, because the huge, complex ecosystem is not
understood completely. Attempts to develop innovative aquaculture, dams, irrigation and
hydropower schemes might have unforeseen effects on the ecosystem, as did the
introduction of exotic species in the past. The scale of any proposed aquaculture needs to
be limited until the requirements and impacts of the system are well established EFASA
(2010).
For hundreds of years Lake Tana fisheries was composed of two predominantly
subsistence traditional fisheries. The first is a reed boat fishery, operated by the Woyto
people (ethnic minority). This type of fishery is limited to the shore areas and targets the
native Oreochromis niloticus, using locally made fish traps and small gillnets (length 15-20
m). Secondly, seasonal fishermen (farmers) traditionally target Labeobarbus on the
upstream spawning grounds between August and October each year. Motorized boats and
modern, more efficient, nylon gillnets were introduced in Lake Tana in the mid-1980s.
To maximize their income, the fishermen of Lake Tana specifically target O. niloticus, the
most favored fish for consumption among Ethiopians. Labeobarbus is less appreciated due
to its intra- muscular bones and the scale-less Clarias gariepinus is considered “unclean”
according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In contrast to other African lakes, Lake
Tana’s small sized (<10 cm) fish species, like the pelagic zooplanktivore Barbus
tanapelagius, are at present not harvested (Dejen et al., 2009). Only the small, cigar shaped
Garra are occasionally eaten as part of a wedding ceremony in certain area around Lake
Tana.
The majority of the catch of the reed boat and seasonal river fishery is sold on local
markets and to restaurants around Lake Tana. The traditional fisheries have always played
a significant role in the local food security. In contrast, almost all fish landed by the
modern commercial motorized gillnet fishery is transported to Addis Ababa. Only in recent
17
years, mid 2000s, the export of dried fish caught by reed boat fishermen to neighboring
Sudan has started up.
There are seasonal variations in the availability of different types of fish, but as there are
some differences between the lakes, traders can smooth out supply to some extent. There
18
are 180 different species of fish in Ethiopia and 30 of those are native to the country. The
total annual fish potential production of the country’s major inland water bodies is
estimated to be 51,481 metric tons per year on a maximum sustainable yield basis
(Anteneh 2013). However, only 20-30% of this resource is utilized (Senbete 2008). The
per capita fish production is less than 240g per annum, but if population as a factor is taken
into account the total annual fish demand is more than 65,344 tons per year, which is
approximately equivalent to 1 kg/person per annum. The national demand for fish is
continuously increasing; it is currently estimated at 85,000 tons per year, and would
increase to about 120,000 tons by the years 2015 respectively (silesh 2013).
19
and wetlands) contributed more than over fishing for the sharp decline. The present study
shows that almost all fishers both reed boat and motorized boat fishing pressure mainly
concentrate on breeding season and spawning ground of each species. niloticus fishing is
carried out at littoral regions,
The annual catch from Lake Tana is estimated at around 1000 t. The last year for which the
board collected landings data was 1996; recorded landings were in the range 470– 1470 t
in the preceding 4 years. Depending on the season, this catch comprises varying volumes
and proportions of tilapia, barbus and catfish. Gordon et al (2007).
However, Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country and the source of the Blue Nile River,
is located in the northwest plateaux outside the Rift Valley. This lakes and rivers are
stocked with various species of fish. The potential yield of fish is estimated to be between
30, 000t and 40,000t/year for the main water bodies and about 25,000 t/year from Baro
River alone and a large potential from other rivers (FAO 1995).
The basin is a densely populated area due to high population growth rate and immigration
(Sewnet and Kameswara 2011). This has resulted high dependency of the population on
the basin resources. This high dependency in turn has already put high pressure on the
basin resource. To decrease threats and improve the management, proper identification of
the stakeholders and ensuring active participation at all levels is indispensable. The stake
holders can be broadly classified into governmental organizations, local communities,
nongovernmental organizations, private (investors and enterprises) and international
20
communities (Ketema 2013). Lake Tana basin supports different economic activities, and
agriculture is the major one. The basin has huge potential for socio economic development
and because of this it has been identified as a major ‘economic corridor’.
ix. Use ephemeral waters (e.g. new dams) with fast growing and flexibly feeding fishes
x. Harnessing flood waters for irrigation and fish farming as in Malawi.
21
limited availability, high cost and general lack of knowledge, skills and equipment’s for
preservation and storage. It is important for the community to be made more aware of the
benefits of fish consumption, fishing techniques and preservation and preparation methods
so as to improve the supply and overall consumption of fish. It would also be important to
train health workers as part of the advocacy strategy through campaigns or health clinics.
The provision of cold storage facilities will also improve the preservation of fish and
ensure that even those away from the fish sources (sea or river) are able to consume fresh
fish. Promoting fish consumption is extremely crucial, as it’s readily available and is a
good source of proteins, vitamin A and minerals all that promote the good health and
nutritional status of individuals.
The artisanal fishery of Ethiopian fishery is undeveloped due to low level of economy,
lack of fisheries’ legislation implementation, in- effective administration set-up and lack of
expertise. Based on these facts, Ethiopian fisheries might not seem to manage. But some
stocks (Nile perch & Tilapia) on some lakes (Chamo & Awassa) show signs of over-
fishing and Tilapia of lake Ziway are probably at full exploitation. Currently there is
fishery management legislation enforced at the Federal level, proclamation No.315/2003 in
2011. It provides broad guidelines relating to resource conservation, food safety and
aquaculture. This document puts considerable emphasis on regulation, permits and the role
of the fishery inspector. It is intended that the regional administrations should then use this
22
as the broad framework within which their own proclamations are developed. Although not
all of the regional proclamations have been finalized, the proclamation for Amhara and
Oromia Region was developed in 2011 and 2012 respectively. It covers the same areas as
the national policy, but has an additional objective relating to the creation of employment
opportunities in fishing communities. It also states that information, including research
findings, should be made available to the fishing communities. As with the National
Proclamation it relies heavily on regulatory measures (‘command and control’) and the role
of the fishery inspector. There is no mention of co-management, though one of the stated
objectives (‘…to prevent and control over- exploitation of the fisheries resource’) would
seem to leave open this option. At both national and regional level, the proclamations
reflect concern that fish products should conform to prescribed standards (Gordon
etal2007).
23
Opportunity to
enhance
Sustainable of fi the practice of fish
sh on the . increase the
community income of
fishermen
. Avoiding over OPPORTU
fishing NITIES . there are no
AND seasonal &
. Destructive and CHALLE religious effects on
illegal fishing NGES OF fish consumption
practice by
FISH . increase number
lobbing for
appropriate law of fishermen
& policy . protected the
. Setting up infested water
protected area hyacinth
24
CHAPTER THREE
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Description of the Study Area
3.1.1 Location
Takusa woreda is found in Amhara National Regional State (ANRS),in Central Gondar
Administrative Zone (CGAZ) and 274 km and 94 km away from the regional and zonal
capitals of Bahir Dar and Gondar respectively.It is bordered on the north by Chilga, on the
south by Alefa, on the North West by Metema, on the west by Quara, on the north east by
Dembia, and on the east by Lake Tana. The woreda divided in two urban and 29 rural
kebeles. Delghi and chewudiba is a town in the south western shore of Lake Tana, in
Semien Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region. This town is located between 12º12ˈN and
12.200ºN latitude and 37º03ˈE and 37.050ºE longitude and has elevation of 1785m above
sea level. It is the only town in Takusa woreda and rich in agriculture and fishery (Takusa
WARDO and field survey, 2020).
25
Figure 3.1Location Map of the study area
The total population of Takusa woreda is 189449 from which 92603males and 96846
females according to Takusa woreda administrative office estimation which is conducted
in 2020. The total surface area of the woreda is 1,852.62 km2. The majority of the woreda
inhabitants practiced Ethiopian orthodox, with 99% reporting that as their religion. Takusa
has a population density of 70 persons/km2 and a population growth rate of 2.8%; it faces
population pressure and landlessness of the youth, which is one of the major development
constraint.
3.1.3 Climate
Takusa woreda has two major traditional agro-ecological zones, namely woina dega
(55%), including most of rural kebeles in eastern part, and kola or warm lowland (45%),
including about 9 kebeles in the western part. The study area, which consist of Delghi,
chach, Mekonta, chanke/bergen and Achera kebeles, is included in the woina dega agro-
26
climatic zone. The annual rain fall of the woreda is about 1200mm. In general, because of
prevailing conducive agro-ecological climate condition in the woreda for livestock
production, all species/ class of animal with the exception of camels are found and reared
(TWARDO, 2020). The following Table shows the summary of agro-ecology of Takusa
woreda.
The topography of Takusa woreda consist of 30% flat to undulating (<8% slope) and 70%
rugged to steep slope terrain (>8% slope). The dominant soil type of the woreda include
reddish soil (30%) and other 40% with fertility ranging from medium fertile to poor soil
(Takusa WARDO and field survey, April 2020).
27
3.2.1. Research Design
The study investigated the challenges and opportunities of fish production in Lake Tana,
particularly, in Takusa woreda. To attain this purpose cross sectional survey research
design was selected as it helps to observe the prevalence situations in the study area and to
collect data at a time.
The study employed mixed approach.The main reason that the researcher use this approach
is to solve the problem from using a single approach.Quantitative approach was usedthe
generalization of data. Thus, quantitative method was used during data collection and
analysis to support the argument and to strength the case by providing statistical
measurements like simple percentage to the questionnaire data. Qualitative approach was
used for interpretation of interview and observation.
For questionnaire, under probability sampling methods the researcher was employ simple
random sampling to select respondents. This sampling method was supported by sampling
frame (a complete list of sampling unit) to give equal chance for the members of the
population understudying i.e. 181 fishermen those who are living in five kebeles.
28
3.2.1 Sample size determination
In the study, in order to determine the sample size of participants for questionnaire the
researchers select 5 kebeles of the study area. Then use a more convenient computation
formula (according to Yemane, 1967), i.e.
=
1 + .( )
According Takusa woreda (TWAO, 2020) there are an estimated 181 fisher menwhich is
the target population for the study.
=
1 + .( )
= = = = 124
.( . ) . .
29
Table3.2.1number of respondents selected from each kebeles.
NO. Name of selected Number of participant fishermen Number of selected fishermen
village
1 Chach 28 19
2 Delghi 22 15
3 Mekonta 36 25
4 Chankie Bergen 65 45
5 Achera 30 20
Total 5 181 124
Source: Takusa woreda fishery development office (2020)
Using the above sample size determination formula, the researchers include 124 fishermen
from 5 kebeles. Therefore, a total of 124 samples were participate in filling the
questionnaire by using simple random sampling. From the total 31 kebeles of the woreda 5
kebeles selected based on the nearness to the lake and involvement of the community in
fishing practice.
A. Questionnaire
Both close- and open-ended types of questions were used in the study. Because a
questionnaire is an important tool to deal with some challenges, opportunities,
contribution, educational and economic issues. Besides, a questionnaire is self-
administered which can be given to target groups of subjects at the same time and it has the
advantages of simplifying data processing. The semi-structured questionnaire was prepared
in English language and translate to the local language of the study area that is Amharic;
30
and were administered by the investigator himself and by data collectors.The items of
questions were prepared on the basis of literatures reviewed in the study and before
employing them an attempt was done to take to the respective advisor in order to evaluate
the questions. The questionnaire was had two sections. The first section dealt with the
demographic information of household respondents and the second section includes
questions in relation to the objective of the study. The purpose of the questionnaire was to
get data in relation to challenges of fish production and livelihood contributions of fishery
for fishermen and fishing community in the study area.
B. Interview
In addition to questionnaire, interview was the most important data collection tool to
generate the qualitative information. The purpose of using direct personal unstructured
interview is to get data in relation to opportunities provided in fishing practice, challenges
faced by the sectors as whole and contribution of fishing to the fishermen and fishery
community. Thus data was collected by the investigator personally by asking questions
pertaining to the inquiry to the experts. Besides, interview was held to generate the
important information concerning to fishing activity and other relevant information from
Takusa wereda fish production and development office employees were interviewed.
C. Observation
A rapid (one time) field exploratory visit was used to observethe sample participants of the
study and tentative observation was conducted to collect data on the physical
characteristics, like local people fishing activities especially there transportation boat and
fishing nets, types of fish species, the amount of fish caught by fisheries, its production, the
overall condition of lake Tana and the fishing related activities.
31
3.2.5. Methods of Data Analysis
The data collected from the study sites were entered into computer excel software for
further analysis and management. The normal distribution of the data and screening of
outliers was checked before the analysis. The data analysis were done through descriptive
statics, chi square analysis by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version
20, and excels spreadsheet computer packages.Chi square analysis were run to test the
association of fisheries production with demographic and household characteristics, fishing
experience. In addition to this, challenges and opportunities, For the livelihood
contribution of fishery for fishermen and fishing community the researcher were employ
descriptive statics mainly frequency and percentage.
32
CHAPTER FOUR
As indicated from table 4.1, from a total of 124 sample respondents 19.4% were found
under the age group of 18-30 years.43.5% were found under the age group 31-45 years,
36.3% were found under the age group from 46-60 years and 0.8% were found 61 and
above years, respectively.
33
4.1.2 Educational statusof respondents
Illiterate 52 41.9
Can read write 36 29..0
Grade 1-8 21 16.9
Grade 9-12 14 11.4
Diploma holder &above 1 0.8
Total 124 100
As indicated from the above table 4.2, the educational status of the respondents was fall in
5 categories.41.9% illiterate, 29.0% can read write, 16.9% attending grade 1-8, 11.4%
attending grade 9-12 and 0.8% respondents were diploma holder and above. The majority
respondents were illiterates (41.9%). From the above data, we can see that most of the
household heads in the area were not educated and thus have little access to information
about fishing, its practices as well as production. This idea is further supported by the
findings of Assefa (2013)better-educated households produce and have more knowledge
access to information related to the issue understudying than others’ and hence can more
easily be involved in activities.
34
4.1.3 Religion, family size and marital status
Table 4.1.3 religion, family size and marital status of the respondent
117 94.4
Orthodox
Religion
Muslim 7 5.6
One 24 19.4
Two 12 9.7
6-8 23 18.5
9 and above 0 0
Single 15 12.1
Divorced 20 16.1
Widowed 2 1.6
In the study area only two types of religion were reported by the sampled respondents.
Except of the respondents most of them (94.4%) are orthodox Christians and 5.6%
respondents were Muslims (table 4.1.3).as indicated from (table 4.1.3) most of the
respondents were married (70.2%), 12.1% were single and the rest also divorced and
widowed. The study also assessed the family size of the respondents. Most of the
35
respondents (52.4%) have 3-5 family size and there was no respondents have a family size
9 and above (table4.1.3).
As shown from table 4.2, the income amount categorized in to four categories. 35.5% of
the respondents were earned 1200 and below birr per month. 20.2% respondents were
earned from 1201-2400 birr, 16.1% respondents were also earned between 2401birr to
3600 birr per month and the majority of the respondents were earned 1200 and below birr
per month.
Below 3 36 29.0
4- 6 44 35.5
7-10 30 24.2
11 and above 14 11.3
Total 124 100
Source own:Field survey (2020)
As shown from the above table (4.3) the majority of the respondents (35.5%) have work
experience between 4 up to 6 years, 24.2% respondents have 7-10 years’ work experience,
29.0% respondents also have 3 and below this year work experience and only 11.3%
respondents have 11 and above years’ work experience.
36
4.4.1. Educational status and amount of fish production
The above table indicates that out of 52 respondents of illiterate group 65.38 percent of the
respondents produce 1-2 k.g per day which is minimum followed by 25 percent of
respondent’s which produce 4-5 k.g per day and from 52 respondents 7.69 percent produce
5-6 k.g fish per a day and only 1.9 percent of produce 7 and above kilogram per a day.
In case of the 36 respondents of those who can read and write, the majority i.e. 33.33%
catch 5k. g-6k. g fish per followed by 25 percent of respondents were produced 3k. g-4k.g
and 1k.g-2k. g per a day and only 16.66 percent of respondents were produced 7k.g and
above fish per a day.
Out of 21 respondents who attended grade 1-8 respondents the majority i.e.42.85%
produced 7k. g and above per a day followed by 28.57% of respondents who can produced
5k. g-6k. g per a day and 9.04 percent of respondents were produced 3-4k. g per a day and
only 9.52 percent produced 1-2k. g per a day.
37
In case of 14 respondents of those attended grade 9-12 respondents 50% were produced 7k.
g and above per a day followed by 28.57% of respondents produced 5-6k. g and 14.28% of
respondents were produced 3-4k. g of fish per a day and only 7.14% of respondents were
produced 1-2k. g per a day and finally 1respondents of diploma and above holder produced
7k. g and above.
When chi-square (x2) test was applied to the data the calculated x2 value 57.74 was found
to be significant at 12 d.f, 95% of c.i.
Hence education and fish production amount have a positive correlation.as their level of
education increased their probability to produce 1-2k. g per a day become low.
Table 4.4.2 the association between work experiences with amount of fish
production
38
The above table(4.4.2) indicate that out of 36 respondents those who have below 3-year
work experience 63.88 percent were produced 1-2k. g fish per a day,22.22 percent
respondents catch 3-4k. g fish per a day followed by 19.44% respondents produced 7k. g
and above per a day and 5.55% of respondents produced 5-6k. g fish per a day.
Out of 44 respondents who have 4-6 years’ work experience the majority i.e. 47.72 percent
produced 1-2k. g per a day followed by 18.18% of respondents produced 3-4k. g and 5-6k.
g fish per a day and 6.81 respondents were produced 7k.g and above per a day.
In case of 30 respondents with work experience of 7-10 years 36.66 percent respondents
were produced 5-6k. g per a day followed by 30% of respondents were produced 3-4k. g
per a day, 26.66 percent produced 7k. g and above and only 6.66% were produced 1-2k. g
per a day.
In case of 14 respondents with work experience of 11 years and above 42.85 percent were
produced 7k. g and above, 36.72 percent respondents were produced 5-6k. g followed by
21.24 percent of respondent were produced 3-4k. g and no one produced 1-2k. g fish per a
day.
When chi square test was applied to the data the calculated value 46.694 was found
significant at 9 d.f. and 95% confidence interval. Hence from this it could be conclude that
there was significant association between work experience and amount of fish production.
39
As indicated from the above table (4.5.1) 41.9 percent respondents travel 5kilometr from
their home to the lake,19.4 percent were also travel 4&6kilometer ,12.1 percent
respondents were travel 2k.m to get the lake,4% respondents were travel 3k.m and 3.2%
respondents were also travel 7k.m from their home to the lake. Hence the fishermen travel
a minimum of 2k.m to 7k.m to get the lake. The majority respondents, i.e., 41.9% travel
5k.m from their home to the lake.
40
4.4.3 Problems of fishing markets
problem of fish
Lack of business skill 24 17.7
marketing
Lack of appropriate quality of fish 49 39.5
Moreover, in the key informant interviewees revealed that the problem with fish marketing
was absence of measurement for fish quantity and absence of fixed price for fish products
were among the problems.
41
As indicated from the above table the majority i.e. 73.4 percent respondents were having
no legal license to practice fishing activity in their locality and only 26.6 percent of
respondent have legal license to practice fishing.
42
Table 4.5.7 average percentage of fish spoilage per trip
S. No. Amount of fish spoiled per trip
No. respondent Percent
1 1kilogram 56 62.92
2 2kilogram 22 24.71
3 3kilogram 11 12.35
Total 89 100
Source: own Field survey (2020)
The data in table 4.5.7 revealed that out of 89 respondents 62.92 percent were lost
1kilogam fish per trip because of spoilage, 24.71 percent respondent were lost 2kilogam
fish products per trip and 12.35 percent of respondent were lost 3kilogram fish product per
trip because of spoilage.
43
4.5.9. Fish demand of the community
44
4.5.10 occurrence of theft case
45
4.5.12. The major challenges of fish production
Moreover, in the key informant interviewees revealed that the challenges encountered
fishermen and people around were lack of cooperation from the concerned bodies, illegal
fishermen activity, poor technology system for handling, processing fish product and
wastage are among the challenges that hinder fishing activity in the study area.
Low 12 9.7
Total 124 100
Source: own Field source (2020)
46
The data in table 4.6.1 despite that out of 124 respondents 100 percent were replied that
they were mainly practiced fishing only in the nearby Lake Tana. The researcher’s
observation indicates that there is water body which is called Lake Tana in the study area
where people practiced fishing. also as shown from table 4.6.1 out of 124 respondents 56.5
percent were believed that lake Tana had high suitability,29.8 veryhigh,9.7 low and 4.0
percent were perceiving the suitability of lake Tana for fish practice. Hence it is possible to
concluded that Lake Tana highly suitable for fish practice.
47
4.6.3 The availability of training
48
4.6.4 The availability of credit for fishing practice
As indicated from table 4.6.4 the purpose of this credit were 78.7 percent used for fishing
activity,11.26 percent were used for agricultural improved seeds, 7.04 percent were used
for fertilizer and only 2.18 percent of respondent were used for livestock rearing. This
show that the majority of respondent used the credit for fishing activity than other.
Table 4.6.4 indicated that, for 56.33 percent of respondent their source of credit was
Amhara credit and saving institution, for 43.66 percent of respondent their source of credit
was relatives and friends. This idea was further explained and supported by Alayu (2011)
There are two sources of credit in Lake Tana area. Amhara Credit and Savings Institute
offers credit at 18% per annum- a rate considered prohibitively high by many people in the
fishing communities. The second is the farmers’ co-operatives that make loans at 12.5%
per annum, but are not present in all areas and therefore not accessible to everyone.
49
4.6.5 The amount of fish production
As key informant interviewer reported in the study area thee type of fish species i.e.
catfish, tilapia and intermedius or labeobarbus captured by the fishermen.
Table 4.7.1 view of respondent on the importance of fishery for their life
Item Alternative Number percent
Fishery is important for life Yes 118 95.2
No 6 4.8
Total 124 100
Purpose fishing Alternative source of food 28 23.72
Create job opportunity 13 11.01
Supplementary income revenue 20 16.94
Used for source of food, job and income 57 48.30
118 100
Source: own Field survey (2020)
50
The data in the table 4.7.1 shown out of 124 respondents 95.5 percent were believed
fishery was important for their life and only 4.8 percent of respondent does not believe
fishers importance for their life.
As table 4.7.1 revealed out of 118 respondents 48.3 percent of respondent used fishery for
the purpose of source of food, job and income,23.72& used as alternative source of
food,16.94 as source of supplementary income revenue and 11.01 percent of respondent
were used fisher as the source of job opportunity. Hence fishery have a great contribution
for the fishermen as the main source of food, income and job opportunity.
Moreover, this idea also supported by the key informant interview, as the reported that
fisher have high contribution as a means of food, income, job opportunity source of
protein.
As table 4.7.1 indicate only 4.8 percent of respondents were reported the low value of
fishery and their major reason was because of low production and absence of infrastructure
to deliver the products. Hence fishing activity in the study area have high value and
contribution.
51
As the data in table 4.7.2 revealed that out of 92 respondents who engaged in fishing
related activities 76.8 percent of respondent were practiced making local fishing nets,
21.73% in washing and drying fish products. The majority of respondent’s i.e.76.08%
participated in making local nets.
52
CHAPETR FIVE
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Conclusion
The main purpose of this study was to investigate challenges and opportunity of fish
production in Lake Tana the case of Takusa woreda. To achieve this objective data were
collected from sample respondent in five kebeles through questionnaire, key informant
interview and observation. As it was found from data collection tools and through data
analysis in chapter four, the study attempt to answer the basic research question. Therefore,
based on the discussion and main finding or results of the study the following conclusion
were drawn.
The majority of respondent (43.5) were between age group of 31-45 years.
The study found that majority of respondent were illiterate.
The majority of respondent (35.5) percent have income below 1200 birr per month
The study found that education have its own impact on the productivity of fishermen.
The illiterate fishermen (65.38) were produce only 1-2k. g per a day and more
educated fishermen have less probability to produce 1-2k. g per a day.
The study also found that work experience and fish productivity have a significant
relationship. Low experienced respondent produced 1-2k. g per a day and the more
experienced people produced 7k. g and more per a day.
The major challenges of fish production were high distance from the home to lake,
traditional fishing equipment’s, problem of fishing market because of lack of
appropriate quality of fish product, absence license, spoilage of fish products due to
absence of preservation and storage facilities, low fish demand of the community
because of limited availability of fish products, occurrences of theft case and
involvement of illegal fisher men, low awareness of government police and low follow
up from the concerned body, lack of fishing skills were among the major challenges
that hinder fisher men to produce more.
53
Based on the response of the questionnaire, interview and observation it could be said
that despite most of local people accustomed to eat/consume fish the study revealed
there was decreasing trend of using fish as usual diet. This perhaps indicated that cost,
seasonality, availability, socio-economic status, special events, preservation and
quality were the constraining factors that affect the usual consumption habit of local
people of the study area
In relation to the opportunities that exist to enhance fish production in the study area
the availability of lake Tana in the nearby area and its high suitability, the existence
fish production throughout the year, availability of training in fishing methodology for
the majority respondents availability of credit provided by Amhara credit and saving
institution, the opportunity to catch 1-7k.g fish per a day and the presence of variety of
fish species were the major opportunities that helps to enhance fish production in the
study area.
The study also found that fishery have great livelihood contribution for fishermen by
serving as a source of food, supplementary source of income revenue, by creating job
opportunity and the study also found that there was high practice of fishing related
activity and the majority of respondent were engaged
54
5.2 Recommendations
Based on the major finding and conclusions drawn, the researchers provide the following
recommendation.
To minimize illegal fishermen, the government should give legal licenses that let
them to sell based on the economic status of the community.
Takusa woreda fish development offices should increase their follow up to control
unstandardized fishing materials.
The government should facilitate infrastructures and create awareness for post
handling and preserving of fish products.
The government should work to create market linkage and encourage to work on
association and fishery union than working alone.
Increasing the adoption of effective strategy to provide and to promote effective
fishing system and service.
There should be adequate intervention to build more infrastructures where local
people utilize Lake Tana for fishing purpose and improve their livelihood by
fishing in Lake Tana.
There should be effective wastage handling mechanism and providing land site for
post harvesting practice.
55
References
Abdurhman K. (2002).users’ attitudes toward fisheries management on lake
zewayethiopia, Norwegian College of Fishery Science University of Tromsø
NORWAY
Bene, C.; Neiland, A.; Jolley, T.; Ladu, B.; Ovie, S.; Sule, O.; Baba, O.;
Belal, E.; Mindjimba,K.; Tiotsop, F.; Dara, L.; Zakara, A.; Quensiere, J.,
(2003). Inland fisheries, poverty and rurallivelihoods in the Lake Chad
Basin. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 38(1): pp17–51.
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Beets, W.C. (1990). Raising and sustaining productivity of smallholder
farming systems in the tropics. Agbe Publishing, Alkmaar, Holland.
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EFASA, (2012). A generic GIS based site suitability analysis for pond
production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ethiopia. In Addis
Ababa.
Firehun, Y., P.C. Struik, E.A. Lantinga, and T. Taye (2014). Water hyacinth
in the
Rift Valley water bodies of Ethiopia: Its distribution, socio-economic
importance and management. International Journal of Current Agriculture
Research, 3:67-75
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Food and Agriclture Organization (2004): The State of World Fisheries and
Aquaculture Report.
Gebremedhin S., et al. (2013) “Determining factors for fishers’ income: the
case of Lake Tana, Ethiopia”. International Journal of Current Research 5.5
(2013) : 1182-1186
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Jentoft, S. (1989). Fisheries co-management: Delegating government
responsibility to fishermen's organizations. Marine Policy, Pp. 137 - 154.
Julien, M.H., M.W. Griffiths, and A.D. Wright (2001). Biological control of
water
hyacinth. The weevils Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae:
biologist, host ranges, and rearing, releasing and monitoring techniques
for biological control of Eichhornia crassipes. ACIAR Monograph No. 60,
87pp
LFDP, (2007). Working Paper Lake Management Plans LFDP, Phase II,
1997. Working Paper Lake Management Plans
Little, D.C., Karim, M., Turongrouang, D., Morales, E.J., Murray, F.J.,
Barman, B.K., Hague, M.M., Kundu, N., Belton, B., Faruque, A.S.G., Azim,
M.E., Islam, F.U., Pollock, L., Verdegem, M.C.J., Young, J.A., Leschen, W.
& Wahab, M.A. (2007). Livelihood impacts of ponds in Asia-opportunities
and constraints. pp. 177-202. In A.J. van der Zijpp, J.A.J. Verreth, Le Quang
Tri, M.E.F. van Mensvoort, R.H. Bosma & M.C.M.
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Ludwig, D. Hilborn, R., Walters, C. (1993). Uncertainty, resource
exploitation and conservation: lessons from history. Science 260: 17-36.
61
Sithole, R. (2000). Fisheries in Africa. Global Water Partnership (GWP),
Zimbabwe.
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Zenebe Tadese, (1988). Studies on Some Aspects of the Biology of
Oreonchromis Niloticus linn. (Piscesi Cichlidae) in Lake Ziway
(unpublished), Master of Arts Thesis, Biology Department, Addis Ababa
University, Addis Ababa.
63
Appendices
Appendix I.
Questionnaire: To Takusa woreda fishermen
Dear respondents;
The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain information from fishermen who are
living in Takusa woreda around Lake Tana about personal back ground information, the
challenges of fishermen that hinder fishing practice, to assess opportunities existed to
enhance fishing practice and to examine the livelihood contribution of fishery for fishing
community. The outcome of this research will help to identify the major the challenges of
fishermen that hinder fishing practice, to assess opportunities existed to enhance fishing
practice and to examine the livelihood contribution of fishery for fishing community and
forward possible solution. It is believed that it will assist the community, the government
and non-government organizations in designing mechanisms to ensure the sustainable
utilization of fishery resource. . I confirm you that all data will be treated confidentially
and only aggregate and average information will be taken. Therefore, I kindly request the
cooperation of respondents in filling out the questionnaire accurately considering the
importance of the study.
64
1. Sex a) Female a) Male
2. Age a) 18-30 year b) 31-45 year C) 46-60 year d) 61 year and above
3. Marital status a) single b) married c) divorced d) widowed
4. Family size a) only 2 b) 3-5 C) 6-8 D) 9 and above
5. Level of education a/ illiterate b/can read &write c. attending grade 1-8
d/ Attending grade 9-12 grade e/diploma and above
e. Other's specify
65
a. yes b. no
7. If your answer for question number (11) is no, why? Because,
a. there is no way to get license b. low follow up from the concerned body
c. low awareness about the license d. because there is no real difference to have or
not
8. is your product spoil before sale or consume? a. yes b.no
9. If your answer is yes what is the average percent that is spoiled per trip? -------------------
--
10. What are the reasons for the spoilage? Because
a. the market is far b. no means of transport c. absence of preservation and
refrigerator
d. specify others
11. How do you see the demand of the community on fish products? a. high b. low
12. If your answer is for question (10) is low, what are the possible reason?
a. fish have not been integrated in to the diet of the of the community.
b. fish is expensive relative to other source of meat
c. lack of recognition d. limited availability e. specify if there is others
13. Do you encounter theft case? a. yes b. no
14. If your answer is yes, how often------------------------------------?
15. Are you aware of any government policy or strict municipal ordinance that may
perceive barriers to entry? a. yes b. no
16. If you say yes who are responsible organs? a. areal council b. woreda’s fishery
officer c. kebele officer d. kebeles agricultural workers
17. Which challenges do you faced to fish in Lake Tana?
a. low skills b. fluctuation in its volume c. lack of fishing tools d.
overfishing
18. What do you need to be fulfilled to produce more?
66
B. Opportunities that enhance fish production
1. Where do you practice fishing activity in your area?
a. Lake tana b. ponds c. artificial fishing grounds d. specify
others
2. If your answer for question number (1) is lake tana, to what extent do you think it is
available for fishing a. very high b. high c. medium d. low
3. How often do you rear fish production? a. morning b. afternoon c. evening
d. all times
4. Who are your collaborative? a. non-governmental organization b. individual
partners
c. governmental organization d. all of the above e. none of the above
5. Have you receive training on fishery resource and fishing before? a. yes b.
no
6. If your answer for question number (6) is yes, for how many times----------------------
------?
7. On what areas you have got training? a. fish preparation and consumption?
b. fishing methodology c. how to prepare fishing materials d. fish product
preservation and marketing e. specify other
8. If your answer for question number (6) is no, do you need training? a. yes
b. no
9. If your answer for question number (6.3) is yes, on what areas you need?
a. fish preparation and consumption? b. fishing methodology
c. how to prepare fishing materials d. fish product preservation and marketing
e. specify others
10. Did you get credit over the last year? a. yes b. no
11. If your answer is yes, what was the purpose of credit?
a. for fertilizer b. for fishing activity c. for agricultural improved seed d. for
livestock
67
12. Who are the source of credits? a. government b. non-government organization
c. relative and friends d. specify others
13. When do you practice fishing? a. throughout the year b. during summer c.
during winter
d. during special occasions.
14. How much kilogram fish capture per day?
a. 1k.g-3k.g b. 3k.g-4k.m c. 5k.g-6k.g d. 7k.g and above
15. Do you have awareness about fish production? a. yes b. no
16. If your answer for question number (12) is yes, where did you get the awareness?
a. from my own experience b. through training c. from my family d. specify if
other
17. Which type of fish species captured around your locality?
a. catfish b. tilapia c. labeobarbus d. all are available
18. Which type of fish species highly preferable for the society?
s. Types of species Rank
no
1 Catfish
2 Tilapia
3 Labeobarbus
68
c. absence of infrastructure to deliver the products in to the market d. specify if
others
5. What is your employment status? a. Self- employed b. Employer c. Employee
6. How do you compare the value of fishery with other income source?
a. high b. low
7. Is there activities related to fishing in your area? a. yes b. no
8. If your answer for question number (4) is yes, what are these activities related to
fishing?
a. Making local boats b. making gillnets
c. washing and drying of fishing products d. specify others
9. Who perform these activities related to fishing? a. I and my family b. laborer’s specially
men
c. laborers women d. specify others
69
Appendix ii.
Interview: To Takusa wereda Fish Production office employees
The purpose of this key informant interview is to submit a thesis for partial fulfillment
of the requirement for master of art in Geography and environmental studies in
UniversityofGondar under the title challenges and opportunities of fish production in
Lake Tana the case of Takusa woreda. So, you are kindly requested to participate in
this study. Finally, thank you very much for your time devotion and patience.
1. What are the major challenges that hinder fishermen to produce more fish
production?
2. As fish expert, what kinds of assistance would you offer to promote the practice of
fishing in Takusa woreda?
3. What are the main efforts to ban illegal fishermen?
4. What are the main efforts to create market access for the fishermen community and
what mechanism should proposed to solve the marketing problem.
5. What are the common type of fish species captured by the fisher men?
6. What are the livelihood contribution of fishing for fishermen?
7. Are there any governmental or non-governmental organization which are working
to support the fishery industry? If there is what are their contribution?
8. What are the main opportunities for fishing activity in Takusa woreda?
70
Appendix iii.
ማውጫ 1
ጥያቄዎች፡- ለጣቁሳወረዳአሳአጥማጆች
ክፍል 1: አጠቃላይመረጃ
ክልል : በአማራብሔራዊክልላዊመንግስት
ዞን : ማዕከላዊጎንደርአስተዳደር
ወረዳ: ጣቁሳ
ቀበሌ፣ ---------------------------
ክፍል 2 ፡የቤተሰብሁኔታ
1. ፆታ : ሀ. ሴትለ . ወንድ
71
7. ሃይማኖት: ሀ. ሙስሊምለ. ክረስቲያንሐ . ካቶሊክመ.
ፕሮቴስታንትሠ.ሌሎችሃይማኖቶች
ክፍል 3
ሀ. በአሳአጥማጆችላይያጋጠመችግር
4. በአሳምርትላይያለውየገበያችግርምንድንነው? ሀ. የንግድስራክህሎትእጥረትለ.
የአሳጥራትእጥረትሐ.የማረፊያስፍራእጥረትመ. የገበያእጥረትሠ. ሌሎች
5. የአሳምርትፈቃድአለህ? ሀ. አዎለ.የለኝም
6. ለጥያቄቁጥር 5 መልስህየለኝምከሆነለምን?
ምክንያትህሀ.የፍቃድአሰጣጥዘዳአለመኖርለ. የመንግስትአካላትክትትልዝቅተኛመሆንሐ.
ስለፈቃድአሰጣጥአናሳግንዛቤመኖር
8. መልስህአዎንከሆነበአንድጉዞላይበአማካይስንትፐርሰንትይበላሻል? ---------------
9. ለመበላሸቱምክንያቱምንድንነውብለውያምናሉ? ሀ. የገበያማዕከልመራቅለ.
የትራንስፖርትአገልግሎትአለመኖርሐ. ማቀዝቀዣአለመኖርመ. ሌሎች
72
10. የአሳምርትፍላጎትበህዝቡላይእንዴትታየዋለህ ? ሀ.በጣምክፍተኛለ. ከፍተኛሐ.
መካከለኛመ. በጣምዝቅተኛሠ.ዝቅተኛ
ሀ. ማህበረሰቡአሳንለምግብነትበብዛትአለመጠቀሙ
ለ. ከሌሎችየስጋምግቦችጋርሲነፃፀርአሳውድስለሆነ
ሐ. የግንዛቤእጥረት
መ. የተጠቃሚውዝቅተኛመሆንሠ .ሌሎች
ለ. አሳምርትንለማሳደግምቹሁኔታዎች:
1. የትቦታነውየአሳምርትየምታመርቱት?
ሀ. ጣና ለ. ኩሬሐ. ሰውሰራሽግድብመ.ሌሎች
2. የጥያቄቁጥር 1 መልስህጣናከሆነአሳውንለመጠቀምምንያህልስፋት
73
5. አሳንከማጥመድህበፊትስለአሳአሰጋገርስልጠናወስደሃል? ሀ. አዎለ.አልወሰድኩም
7. ስልጠናውንያገኘኸውበምንዙሪያነውሀ. በአሳዝግጅትናአጠቃቀምለ.
በአሳዕቅድሐ.እንዴትየአሳማቴርያልማዘጋጀትእንዳለብንመ.
የአሳንምርትመጠበቅናለገበያማቅረብሠ. ስለሌሎችነገሮች
8. ለጥያቄቁጥር 5 መልስህአልወሰድኩምከሆነ፣ስልጠናመውሰድትፈልጋለህን? ሀ.
አዎለ. አልወስድም
መ. ባመቸኝጊዜ
74
16. ለጥያቄቁጥር 15 መልህአዎከሆነ፣ከየትወሰድክሀ. ከራሴልምድለ.
በስልጠናሂደትሐ.ከቤተሰቦቼመ. ከሌሎችአካላት
17.የትኛውንየአሳአይነትታመርታለህ? ሀ.ቀረሦለ.ነጭአሳሐ.አባዛ
18.በማህበረሰቡውስጥየትኛውአሳነውተመራጭነትያለው ?
ሀ.ቀረሦለ.ነጭአሳ ሐ.አባዛ
ሐ. የአሳማጥመድስራለህዝቡየሚያደርገውአስተዋፅኦ:
1. በጣናሐይቅላይምንአይነትጥቅምታገኛለህ?
3. ለጥያቄቁጥር 2 መልስህአዎከሆነለምንጥቅምአሳንትይዛላችሁ?
ሀ. እንደአማራጭነትለ.የስራዕድልለመፍጠርሐ. ለገቢምንጭነትመለሌላ
4. መልስህአይጠቅምምከሆነለምን? ምክንያቱም
ሀ. ዝቅተኛምርትስለሆነለ.የህዝቡየማምረትፍላጎቱዝቅተኛመሆንሐ.
ከምርቱእስከገበያማዕከልትራንስፖርትአለመኖርመ. ሌሎችነገሮች
6. አሳንከሌሎችየገቢምንጮችእንዴትታወዳድረዋለህሀ.በከፍተኛለ.በዝቅተኛ
7. የአሣማጥመድሥራከሌሎችየስራተግባርጋርግንኙነትአለው
ሀ. አዎለ. የለውም
8. ለጥያቄቁጥር 7 መልስህአዎከሆነ፣በምንዓይነትስራይገናኛል
ሀ. በአካባቢጀልባለ. አሳንየማከማቸትዘደበመፍጠር
ሐ. የአሳምርትንበማጠብናበማድረቅ መ. ሌሎችነገሮች
75
9. አሳማጥመድንየሚሰራውማነው?
ማውጫ 2
ቃለመጠይቅ፡
ለጣቁሳወረዳአሳሃብትጽ/ቤት:
1. አሳንበብዛትእንዳይመረትየሚያደርጉተግዳሮቶችምንድንናቸው?
2. እንደአሳባለሙያነትህበወረዳህ/ሽለአሳአምራቾችምንእገዛአደረክ/ሽ?
3. ህገ-ወጥአሳአጥማጆችንለማገድምንጥረትአደረክ/ሽ?
4. በማህበረሰቡአሳንወደገበያእንዲወስዱናበገበያላይያለውንተፅዕኖለመቅረፍ
መስሪያቤቱምንጥረትአደረገ?
5. አሳአጥማጆችበቋሚነትየሚይዙትየአሳአይነትምንድንነው?
6. አሳአጥማጆችአሳበኑሯቸውላይየሰጣቸውድጋፍምንድንነው?
7. በወረዳውለአሳማጥመድምቹየሆነምንድንነው?
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