MWANZA: LAKE Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, is not just a geographical marvel but also a vital economic engine for the Lake Zone regions of Tanzania.
Comprising Mwanza, Mara and Kagera regions, the areas heavily rely on fishing, particularly from Lake Victoria, as a cornerstone of their economic activities.
Over the years, according to the official’s data, fishing activities have played a crucial role in driving economic growth, alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods in these regions.
The Fishing industry
Fishing is the primary economic activity for many residents in the Lake Zone regions. The abundance of fish, particularly Nile perch and tilapia, has led to the development of a thriving fishing industry.
According to the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), Lake Victoria provides approximately 500,000 tons of fish annually, with Tanzania’s share being around 40 per cent. This translates to about 200,000 tons of fish harvested each year, providing both food and income for local communities.
The fishing industry in the Lake Zone is not only a source of direct employment for over 300,000 people but also indirectly supports the livelihoods of nearly four million individuals involved in related activities such as fish processing, transportation and trade.
This sector’s economic impact is substantial, contributing to approximately three per cent of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for over 10 per cent of the country’s export earnings.
In terms of economic contributions to the national economy, in the export revenue, the fishing industry, particularly from Lake Victoria, is a significant source of foreign exchange for Tanzania.
Nile perch, the most commercially valuable fish species, is a major export commodity. According to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries reports, fish exports from Lake Victoria contribute around 200m/- USD annually to Tanzania’s economy.
The European Union, the United States and Japan are among the primary markets for Tanzanian fish products, particularly filleted Nile perch.
For the employment sector, the sector has been a major employer in the Lake Zone regions, employing thousands of fishermen, with many more engaged in ancillary services such as boat building, net making, and fish processing.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimations, the fishing industry employs approximately 1.2 million people directly and indirectly nationwide, with a significant portion based in the Lake Zone regions. This employment has a multiplier effect, supporting other sectors such as transportation, retail and hospitality.
For poverty alleviation, fishing activities in the Lake Zone have been instrumental in reducing poverty levels, where the income generated from fishing has enabled many households to afford basic needs, invest in education and improve their living standards.
According to a recent study by the World Bank indicated that the poverty rate in fishing communities around Lake Victoria has decreased by 10 per cent over the past decade, partly due to the growth of the fishing industry.
In the area of infrastructure development, the thriving fishing industry has spurred infrastructural development in the Lake Zone regions.
However, the need for efficient transportation of fish products has led to improvements in road networks, particularly those connecting fishing villages to major towns and export points.
Additionally, the construction of modern fish processing plants, cold storage facilities and fish markets has enhanced the value chain, ensuring that fish products meet international standards and fetch higher prices in global markets.
For sustainability efforts, recognising the economic importance of Lake Victoria’s fisheries, the government, in collaboration with regional partners, has implemented several measures to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks.
These include enforcing fishing regulations, promoting aquaculture and combating illegal fishing practices.
The Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO) has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to maintain fish stocks and preserve the lake’s ecosystem, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of the fishing industry.
Challenges and way forward
Despite the significant contributions of the fishing industry to Tanzania’s economy, several challenges persist, those include overfishing, environmental degradation and climate change pose threats to the sustainability of Lake Victoria’s fishery resources. The influx of invasive species, such as the water hyacinth, has also affected fish habitats and reduced fish yields
Water hyacinth is a fast-growing aquatic plant native, according to various experts, once in the lake, the plant found ideal conditions for growth—abundant sunlight, warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. The plant quickly multiplied, forming thick mats that cover large areas of the lake’s surface.
By the early 1990s, water hyacinth had become a major issue for Lake Victoria, spreading over thousands of hectares. According to the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP), the weed covered approximately 20,000 hectares at its peak in the late 1990s, although ongoing efforts have reduced its coverage to varying extents over the years.
One of the most immediate impacts of the water hyacinth on Lake Victoria’s fishing industry is the physical obstruction it causes. The dense mats of hyacinth block access to fishing grounds, making it difficult for fishermen to reach open water.
However, in some areas, entire bays and landing sites have been rendered inaccessible, forcing fishermen to travel longer distances or abandon their livelihoods altogether.
According to a 2020 report by LVFO, the presence of water hyacinth has reduced fishing efforts by up to 30 per cent in affected areas, significantly cutting into the income of local communities.
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To address these challenges, there is a need for continued investment in sustainable fishing practices, capacity building for local fishermen and the promotion of alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on fish stocks. Furthermore, enhancing regional cooperation among the countries sharing Lake Victoria—Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya—will be crucial in managing the lake’s resources effectively.
The fishing activities in the Lake Zone regions of Tanzania, particularly around Lake Victoria, have significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth.
By generating export revenue, creating employment, alleviating poverty and driving infrastructure development, the fishing industry stands as a pillar of Tanzania’s economy.
However, sustaining this economic boom requires addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices to ensure that Lake Victoria continues to support the livelihoods of millions and contribute to Tanzania’s prosperity for generations to come.