INSTITUTE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL PLANNIG

BACHELOR DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

ASSESSMENT OF THE WOMEN FISH VENDORS IN IMPROVING HOUSEHOLD

LIVELIHOOD: A CASE OF LINDI MUNICIPAL AT KILWA SOMANGA

RESEARCH’S NAME: SAIDI MUHARAMI OMARY

SUPERVISOR’S NAME: DR. ROGERS LUMENYELA

APRIL 2024

CHAPTER ONE
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

All over the world, women contribute in multiple ways to the production, processing, marketing
and management of fish and other living aquatic resources Women are the primary players in
processing, marketing and selling the catch. After the fish has landed, women are the one who
take charge of the catch and sell the fish for money and food. (Gibson et al, 2020).
The roles of Women in this field, in to supporting family and industry fisheries are usually
unpaid and hence roles become crucial in terms of responsibilities that women play as a potential
key in vending business and supporting families together. Women rarely venture into
management and other industry organizations as the result of gender imbalance, that’s why many
women engaged themselves in different informal sectors such as vending. This is due to the fact
that society had perceived that women are weak so they cannot take the top management position
in the government and in the organization. Generally, women are protected by the law but they
play mainly traditional roles in the fish sectors (Chao et al. 2020).
Women vending in Tanzania is still a critical issue of concern which need to be critically
examined. Women in Tanzania have been in a fore front to engage in self-employment under
informal sector to improve their livelihood and they have joined the fish industries through
vending business done on individually basis. Due to lack of adequate information pertaining to
women fish vending activities in the statistical papers, its potentiality for improving women’s
livelihood tend to be marginalized (Matumbi). In Kilwa Somanga fish vending is a traditional
occupation that has been a means of livelihood for thousands of families living far from the
oceanshole. More than twice as many men than women are in paid jobs, with only 4 % of
women, compared to 10% of men in formal employment women’s income levels are half those
for men; approximately 60 percent of women in Tanzania are estimated to live in poverty
(USAID, 2020).
Pwani is one of the large oceanshore in kilwa Somanga, where traveling vendors find fish for
sell. These are usually women fish vendors who purchase fish directly at auctions that take place
at the village, wholesale markets or landing canters, and they sell fish door-to-door, travelling on
foot and others transport, and carrying their fish in cane baskets. They are a major source of fish
supply to consumers within, and other areas.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Kilwa Somanga fish vending is a traditional occupation that has been a means of livelihood
for thousands of families living along in Somanga Kilwa. Being fish vending is an opportunities
for women to get away from poverty situation and improve their livelihood at family level in
Somanga Kilwa Women undertake these activities through various ways, they procure their fish
directly from landing centers, and where they participate in daily auctions of the catch, the
activities generates additional income to support their families, that contribution base on
improving household incomes and food security (John,2019).
Although they are physically visible at the markets, by lines, roadside vending places and
doorsteps of houses, the contribution of these women in improving household income are
fundamentally little known. Despite the fact that researches have been done on, researchers fails
to explain the contribution of women fish vendors in improving livelihood income in the family
level and community at large. Therefore the study intends to find out the contribution of women
fish vendors on improving household income in Somanga Kilwa.
This study will provide evidence related to contribution of women fish venders to improve
household income and other stakeholders who deal with fish vending. The study also will be an
important tool for policy maker and decision makers and other development practitioners in
creating an enabling environment for sustainable women fish vendor’s activities hence poverty
reduction. Financial institutions also will be benefited as it will insight the financial status of the
women who are engaged in fish vending activities whereby at the end of the day they will be in
position to grant loans.
1.3 Significance of the Study
The major objective of this study revealed that economic activities which are related to fish
vending activities indicate that women are selling fresh fish, as well as selling drying fish with
sun for avoiding loss and minimizing risk of decaying. The buying and selling indicate that there
is enough profit obtained by women fish venders make them exist and continue with fish venders
and hence improve household livelihood. The income obtained held them manage pay school
fees. The school fees paid is the residual income remained as profit from fish vending activities.

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective
The objective is to determine the contribution of women fish venders in improving household
livelihood in Kilwa Somanga Ward.
1.4.2 Specific Objectives
i. To determine the contribution of fish vending in improving household financial and
physical capital in the study area.
ii. To analyze the role of women fish vendors in ensuring food security at the household
level in the study area.

iii. To investigate the challenges faced by women fish vendors in their efforts to improve
household income in the study area.

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the role of women fish vendors in ensuring food security at the household level
in the study area?
 Food Handling Practices
 Employment Opportunities
 Access to Fish
 Income Contribution

2. What is the contribution of fish vending in improving household financial and capital in
the study area?

Indicators:
 Employment creation
 Expenditure and Savings
 Household income within and outside the fish vending
 Ability to own assets e.g. house
 Access to loans/credit

3. What are the challenges faced by women fish vendors in their efforts to improve household
income in the study area?
Indicators:
 Knowledge and skills in business example; Marketing skills
 Employment
 Improved food security access to medical facilities
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study was conducted in Kilwa Somanga to cover the somanga women to overcome the
poverty. The contribution of women fish vendors in improving household livelihood income
hence poverty reduction. This can be achieved by identify the number, type or characteristics of
women involved in fish vending in an area, by determine financial profitability and benefit
acquired by women from fish vending compared to non fish venders and by examine the extent
to which the benefits from fish vending are used to improve family level at the study area.
Expected respondents to be covered are the women fish vendor’s government officials in the
district such as Ward Executive Officer (WEO), Customers and Street Executive Officers.
 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Theoretical Literature
2.1.1 Gendered Division of Labor and Household Livelihoods
Agarwal, B. (2021). "Bargaining" and Gender Relations: Within and Beyond the Household.
Feminist Economics, 3(1), 1-51. Agarwal's seminal work explores the concept of "bargaining"
within gender relations, both within and beyond the household. Drawing on feminist economics
and sociological theories, Agarwal argues that the division of labor within households is not
solely determined by individual preferences or comparative advantage but is shaped by power
dynamics and societal norms. Women's participation in economic activities, such as fish
vending, can challenge traditional gender roles and reshape household livelihood strategies.
2.1.2 Gendered Livelihood Strategies
Kabeer's theoretical framework emphasizes the importance of understanding women's livelihood
strategies within specific socio-cultural contexts. In Kilwa, Somanga Ward, women fish vendors
adopt diverse strategies to sustain their households, leveraging their social networks, skills, and
entrepreneurial spirit. Despite facing systemic barriers such as limited access to capital and
market opportunities, women's agency enables them to carve out spaces within the fisheries
sector, contributing to household income and food security.
2.1.3 Achievements and Well-being
Kabeer's framework emphasizes the importance of assessing women's achievements beyond
economic indicators, considering broader dimensions of well-being and social transformation. In
Kilwa, women fish vendors not only contribute to household incomes but also foster social
cohesion, community development, and gender equality. By participating in collective action
initiatives and advocacy efforts, women vendors amplify their impact on household livelihoods
and contribute to sustainable development outcomes in the region.

2.2 Empirical review

2.2.1 Fisheries and street vending in Africa
The importance of street vending as an option for the poor is well recognized among
policymakers. However, it is still defined as illegal, and development policies/programmes have
little focus on supporting street venders. Their entitlements to their means of livelihoods, i.e.
their space to sell, is not guaranteed and left precarious, even when they are contributing to the
state offences through legal taxes. This ambivalent status makes street vendors vulnerable to all
sorts of extortion (Banwell, 2020).
2.2.2 Poverty reduction and vending activities
African countries are among the poorest in the world and as a result, the development objective
of most African countries is to reduce or even eradicate poverty through modernizing
agricultural production including fisheries. In countries around Lake Victoria, fisheries
contribute 3-5% of GDP (FAO, 2019). It is important to understand the contribution that
fisheries goods and services make to food security, local livelihoods, local and national
economies, if these are to be taken into account in water allocation, policies, institutions and
governance, and also in schemes to maximize such values.
2.2.4 Impact of Structural Adjustment Policies and women vendors
Structural Adjustment Policies has contributed to informal sector growth and women’s
increasing entry into the marketplace. This is particularly evident in Africa and Tanzania as an
example. Massive public sector downsizing, privatization and reductions in social expenditures
(e.g. health and education) have resulted in general inflation, food price increases and greater
reliance on export crops. Faced with these pressures, women must enter the market place to earn
income to cover basic household needs. Due to their limited skills, education, access to support
services and/or social constraints, women’s employment is primarily in the informal sector.
2.3 Information gap
The study on contribution of women fish vendors in improving their household livelihood
income in Kilwa Somanga, are fundamentally not recognized. This is the reason which
necessitated undertaking this study. Most of the literature reviewed indicated that, there is
deficiency in their analysis on the contribution of women fish vending that hinder the
improvement on household livelihood as well as their income..

2.4 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual frame work is an analytical tool that tries to show the relationship between the
variables that was assessed during the research; it is divided into three groups of the independent,
intermediate and the dependent variable. Basing on the study this conceptual frame work tries to
distinguish clearly different types of variables studied and showing the relationship that exist
between the variables.

Independent variables
Intermediate Variables Intermediate Variables
  Employment in fish
 National fisheries vending
Policy 1997  Expenditure and
Savings Improved
 Institutions
 Rules and  Household income
within and outside household
regulations on
fishing like the fish vending
activities
livelihood
control of mesh
sizes and fishing  Ability to own
methods. assets e.g. house
 Access to
loans/credit
 Knowledge and
skills in business
 Improved food
security

Figure 1: Conceptual framework

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study area
The study was conducted at Kilwa Somanga from vending centers, Somanga in Urban area. The
researcher decided to choose this area because the area is near Indian oceanshore, and there are
plenty of women fish vendors compared to other area in Rural Kilwa. Kilwa Somanga Ward is a
local administrative division situated within the Kilwa District, which is part of Lindi Region
inTanzania. The ward is located in the southern part of the country, approximately 490
kilometers from the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. Kilwa Somanga Ward is one of the 29
wards within the Kilwa District, and it is part of the Lindi East constituency.
The Kilwa District, where Kilwa Somanga Ward is located, has a population of approximately
229,000 people, with a majority of them living in rural areas. The district has a total area of
2,999 square kilometers, and the main ethnic groups in the area are the Makua and the Matumbi
(WEO office, censer,2023). The official language spoken in the area is Swahili, but many people
also speak their native languages, such as Makua and Matumbi.

3.2 Research Design

The research design for this study will be a Survey design conducted in Kilwa Somanga ward,
which serves as a ward which found in Lindi municipal in Tanzania. This design allows
collection of data with questionnaires and through personal interviews with members of an
identified population. Collection of data from a sample of individuals at a point in time to assess
how women can vending the fishes and how can improve the household livelihood.

3.3 Data Types and Sources

The researcher used both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data will collecting from
fish women vendors who involves in fish vending from urban areas. Data will collecting using
various methods like personal interview using semi-structured questionnaire, formal and
informal discussions. Secondary data was obtained from Kariakoo market offices, Fish
Department in Kilwa Somanga District office, Journals and from Internet.

3.4 Data Collection Methods and Tools

In carrying out this study three techniques of data collection employed including, interview,
documentary review and observation.
3.4.1 Interviews
This is a method of collecting data by interviewing people in asking questions and getting reply
from them. The main tool used in this method includes questionnaires, where open and close
form questionnaire prepared according to respondents. Oral interview was used were people will
be directly consulted by the researcher.

3.4.2 Observation
This helps researchers to validate the collected information through the methods used. A
researcher is to gather information or data through observation and noting the behavior and
actions of planners and community as well as in their day to day activities.
3.4.3 Documentary review
This is used to get secondary data through the use of checklist. The main tools used in this
method are summarizing and abstracting of the information so as to get information from the
documents found in the respective offices.

3.5 Sampling of Respondents

3.5.1 Sampling frame
The researcher took randomly sample frame of women fish vendor’s in urban areas. However,
purposive sampling frame was used to Kariakoo market offices, Street Chair Person and Fish
Department in Kilwa Somangga District officers.
3.5.2 Sampling unit
The basic unit of sampling was from women fish vendor, customer, Ward Executive Officer
(WEO), Street Chair Person, Ward Agricultural Extension Officer (WAEO).
3.5.3 Sample size
The sample size comprised of 96 respondents’ women fish vendors from different street, plus 6
other key informants which bring a total number of 102 respondents.
The following formula will be applied to determine the sample size;

(Z/2)2  P (1-P)

n = _________________

2

Where n = Sample size,

P= proportion of (percentage) of household growing sugarcane in the study area.

Z/2= level 0f significance which is 1.96 under Confidence interval of 95%.

(1-P)=q which is the proportion (percentage) of household not growing sugarcane in the study
area.

2= maximum error.10% (0.1)

So if C.I is 95%, P=50% (0.5) and maximum error is 10% the sample size was as follows;

n = (1.96) ²  (0.5  0.5)

0.1 ²
n=3.8416  0.25

0.01
n = 0.9604
 0.01
n=96.04 ~96
Therefore the sample size is 96 + key informant 6 = 102
n = 102

3.5.4 Sampling procedure

Both probability and non-probability sampling procedures was used in this study. For probability
sampling, random sampling was used to obtain respondents from urban area who are fish
vendors and for non-probability sampling procedures; the purposive procedure sampling was
used to obtain respondents from leaders, ward executive officers, and Street Chair Person.
Accidental/ convenience sampling and snowball sampling was used to get respondent from
women fish vendors areas

3.6 Detailed Field Work

Obtain ethical clearance and research permits from relevant authorities, such as local government
offices, community leaders, and institutional review boards, Seek informed consent from
participants, explaining the purpose of the study, their rights as participants, and the voluntary
nature of their participation.

Recruit and train enumerators who will be responsible for data collection, provide
comprehensive training on research ethics, survey instruments, data collection procedures, and
techniques for engaging with respondents. Also to conduct role-plays and mock interviews to
familiarize enumerators with the survey tools and ensure consistency in data collection.

3.7 Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation

3.7.1 Data Processing
Processing of data includes editing, tabulation, classification and coding of the questionnaires by
developing codes assigning numerals and symbols so as to answers for limited numbers of
categories to reduce a small number of classes which contain the critical information required for
analysis, editing and examining the collected raw data especially in survey to detect errors and
omissions so as to correct them using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
3.7.2 Data analysis
A substantial part of the analysis in this study based on descriptive statistics analysis. These
include frequencies, percentages, means and correlation coefficients of some variables. SPSS
was used to analyze descriptive statistics such as estimates of frequencies, percentages and
means and Microsoft Excel for drawing graphs and charts from the data obtained.
3.7.3 Data presentation
Information obtained from data analysis was presented in tabular forms charts and other
statistical tools analysis such as frequencies, percentages and simple tables. Therefore, discussion
of results, conclusion and recommendations was based on findings interpreter.

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESEARCH SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
4.0.1 Income activities performed by women
Fish vending activity is the major activity performed by women supported by 91.7% responses;
women are engaging more for increasing household livelihood income. The responses suggest
that selling bites account for 4.2% of responses minority of the women engaged in other
activities but majority involved on fish vending. The responses indicate the fish vending is the
major activities performed by women.
Table 1: Major income activities performed

Activities Frequency Percent

Fish Vending 88 91.7

Selling bites 4 4.2

Selling Vegetables 2 2.1

Selling second hand cloth 2 2.1

Total 96 100

4.0.2 Activity related to fish vending

The fish vending activities involved with a number of activities which are related and tend to be
performed with women who are involved in this activity. The findings depict that 57.29% of
women are selling fresh fish because they want to reduce cost of production despite the fact that
it associated with high risk, about 6.25% selling drying fish with sun for avoiding loss and
minimizing risk of decaying. The drying fish can stay for a number of days without any storage
facilities. Frying fish are performed with women account for 9.38% in which can easily be
stored and the level risk of decaying are minimized to large extent.

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 RESEARCH BUDGET AND SOURCE OF FUNDS
5.1 Research budget
A budget; is a financial plan, it is a projection(forecast) of what will happen financially if certain
decision related to project are implemented and action are undertaken over a certain period of
time (Horngren, Sundem & Stratton, 2020)
Estimates of research budget

ACTIVITY PARTICULARS AMOUNT

Research proposal  Photocopying 50,000/=
preparation  Printing
Data collection  Stationery 50,000/=
 Meal allowances 200,000/=
 Transport expenses 150,000/=
Data processing,  Meal allowance 100,000/=
analysis and
presentation
Report  Printing and binding 100,000/=
writing(Dissertation)  Meal allowance 100,000/=
 Emergencies 50000/=
TOTAL 800,000/=

5.2 Financier/Source of Funds

The source of funding for this research will be my parents (Private Financier). The total
amount of money required for this research is TZS. 800,000/=from the preparation of the
proposal to the submission of the report.
 6.0 REFERENCES

Aleyamma , G (2002): International Collective in support of Fisworkers 27 College Road,

Chennai 600 006, India
Barnes, J. J.; Meisjord, J; Dugan, P. J. & Jamu, D. M. (2002) Inland fisheries in
Mozambique: importance and potential. Draft Report. ICLARM. 57 pp.
Babu, R (1997): Report of the Women if fisheries programme of ICSF in India volume 1
Bakari, R. (1997). Trade liberalization and the exploitation of crustacean Resources in Tanzania,
Marine waters M. A. Economic dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.
Banwell, S. (2001). Vendors’ voices: The story of women micro vendors in Phnom Penh
Markets and an innovative programme designed to enhance their lives and
livelihoods, The Asia Foundation, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Beneria, L. (2001). “Changing Employment Patterns and the Informalization of Jobs: Gener al
Trends and Gender Dimensions.” International Labor Organization (ILO) Publication,
Geneva.
Brugere C, and Lingard J,(2000): Evaluation of a Livelihoods Approach in Assessing the
Introduction of Poverty-Focused Aquaculture into a Large-Scale Irrigation System in
Tamil Nadu, India School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, University of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU
Cordoso, (2002): Changiing womens lives cited from www.Demacard @aol. Com 13/4/2011

International Labour Organization (ILO) 2006 On the Borders of Legality: A Review of Studies
on Street Vending in Phnom Penh, Cambodia International Labour Offi ce, CH-1211
Geneva 22, Switzerland.
Jamea J.K (2007): Market Resources, Links and fish venders Livelihood in the Upper Zambezi
River Floodplains, Spinger Science Busness Media, India.
Keizire B.W (2006): The paradox of poverty amidst plenty in the fish product chain in Uganda,
ACODE Policy Research Series No.22, 2006, Canada South Asia and East Africa
Kumar,K.G (2010): Women Fish Venders in India, An Information booklet, Chandrika Shuma
LTD, India