Factors affecting performance in the export of Nile perch: a case study of Mwanza city

This study focused on examining the factors affecting performance in the export of Nile perch. The dealers in this business were processing factories, agents and fishers. These groups were selected as representative organizations in order to investigate how it was possible to improve the Nile perch market performance and reduce poverty in that fishing community. The study employed both qualitative methods and quantitative methods. The study employed more techniques; thus for tracing the factors that affecting exporting the Nile perch in the market. It employed observation; questionnaires and interviewing as methods of collecting data. The findings of this study indicated that the globalization of Nile perch fishery had attracted number of actors to join the fishery and among of them are middlemen (agents), processing factories and fishery themselves. Factors such as Excess handling charges at Mwanza airport, high cost of levies, and too big size of 55cm mesh gill nets which catch large fish which are not marketable in UE market were observed. Other factors listed were; use of destructive fishing methods, undersized mesh gill nets; beach seines; fishing gears cost is so high; small number of investors in the sector. The deliberate ignoring to identify and incorporate the problems, needs and opportunities that exist in the fishing communities under the co-management arrangement has made the fishers community less motivated in the participation of resource management activities. Fight for better fish prices and issuing of credits to fishers were the most prioritized first-hand sales activities that proposed by fishers community to be undertaken by the government. Theory used in this study is the quality improvement theory. Since fisheries provides economic benefit to both government and at individual at all levels then; the Government has a responsibility as a regulator, monitor and facilitator of the sector, to implement good policies and strategies laid down and not to remain in the paper in order to make this sector to remain sustainable.