Lake Victoria Fishing Revolution Transforms Lives: From Modest Catches to Thriving Industry

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a remarkable turnaround, fishermen on Lake Victoria have seen their weekly fish production soar from a mere 20 kilograms to an impressive 300 kilograms. This surge, attributed to the introduction of modern government-issued boats, has not only bolstered their productivity but also significantly increased their weekly earnings from a modest Sh200,000 to an astounding Sh3 million. With fish fetching Sh10,000 per kilogram, these advancements mark a substantial leap forward for the region's fishing community.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's initiative, launched on January 30, 2024, involved the distribution of 160 state-of-the-art fishing boats to 989 beneficiaries, alongside 222 cages to 1,213 recipients across the Mwanza, Mara, Kagera, Simiyu, and Geita regions.

Facilitated by the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), this interest-free loan project aims to empower fishermen across major lakes, including Nyasa, Victoria, and Tanganyika. Repayments for the boats commenced three months after their distribution, underscoring a sustainable model for economic growth in the fishing industry.

Speaking with reporters in the lake Zone on June 21, 2024, beneficiaries of these 5 to 14-meter boats hailed their increased productivity. Equipped with powerful engines, water pumps, nets, GPS, and life buoys, these vessels have enabled fishermen like Masunga Dwasi from Buchosa Island to venture deeper into the lake, doubling their weekly income.

"Income has soared because we can now fish in deeper waters... We spend up to seven days on the lake, thanks to the reliability of these boats," Dwasi remarked, reflecting on the transformative impact of the initiative.

Robert Charles, chairman of the Mswahili landing site in Mwanza, emphasized how these boats have benefited over 600 fishermen and processors from groups like BMU, Uwamwa, Tuinuane, and Tunza Mazingira. These groups, each comprising more than 20 beneficiaries and their families, have experienced newfound economic stability and growth.

Dwasi highlighted the boats' role in overcoming longstanding challenges, such as fears associated with limited boat capabilities and the dangers posed by adverse weather conditions.

"We've overcome many challenges... We now venture further due to the sturdiness of these boats, without the fear of strong winds or waves. Our weekly rotations are a testament to our increased earnings," he added, stressing the need for additional boats to meet growing demand.

Despite their success, fishermen like Paul Maduhu noted minor challenges such as insufficient nets and the need for smaller engines for direct fishing. These requests underscore the ongoing adjustments needed to optimize their operations.

Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Edwin Mhede, affirmed the project's transformative impact and the government's commitment to addressing challenges and implementing improvements.

 He highlighted collaborative efforts with agencies like the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (Feta) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (Tafiri) to ensure sustained progress.

Looking ahead, the potential of Lake Victoria remains vast. Spanning approximately 59,947 square kilometers, it is the largest tropical lake globally and Africa's largest lake by area.

 Divided among Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, its abundant flora and fauna present untapped opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

 Efforts are underway to leverage these resources, with plans for the Lake Victoria Super Kalemera Award gala on July 8, aimed at promoting tourism and investment opportunities in the region.

Tanzania's experience with the fishing industry's revitalization draws parallels with successful practices in other regions.

For instance, Norway's approach to large-catch fishing showcases the economic benefits of modernizing fishing fleets and infrastructure. Tanzania stands to learn from such examples to further enhance its fishing industry's efficiency, sustainability, and economic contribution.

The country’s ongoing efforts to harness the potential of Lake Victoria through initiatives like the boat distribution project underline a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment for its fishing communities. With continuous support and innovative approaches, the future holds great promise for Lake Victoria to play a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania's thriving economic landscape.