The perception of fish traders on government intervention on fish trade at Kasenyi fish landing site in Wakiso district, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the perception of fish traders on government intervention on the fisheries sector at Kasenyi fish landing site in Wakiso district. The study was based on three specific objectives i.e., to characterize fish traders in Kasenyi fish landing site, to assess outcomes of government intervention on Lake Victoria activities and, to estimate traders profit function. To achieve these objectives, the study used a cross sectional survey research design. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observational methods. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The research results show that both positive and negative impacts were experienced by traders as a result of government intervention into the sector. The positive outcomes of government intervention on the fisheries sector included; perceived increase in volume of fish trade (reported by 88% of the fish traders), and reduction in fish depletion as the major desirable outcomes of government. Control of accidents was given by 82% of the fish traders because of emphasizing protective gears like life jackets for the fishmongers. Other positive outcomes were; improved hygiene or control of water contamination and increase in the fish size. Sustainable rural livelihood and poverty reduction was perceived as desirable impact of government intervention by 35% of the respondents. Only 17% and 29% of the respondents perceived government policy to have impact on accessibility to small loans and increase in profits in the fisheries sector respectively. Fish handling like storage was cited as a desirable impact of the government policy by 52% of the respondents. Negative impacts of the government policy on the fisheries sector were; high taxes and unemployment. This is because most people have left the activity due to stringent standard operation procedures that are enforced. These required more capital to meet the standards and most traders could not afford. Results show that profits are made by fish traders. The regression analysis showed that profits realized by traders are significantly influenced by gender, marital status, household size, domestic consumption and government intervention. In order to increase the contribution of the fish sector, it is recommended that; the government should reduce taxes to encourage more traders join the business. Otherwise the restrictions are causing unemployment. The government should teach farmers commercial fish farming to improve domestic production of different fish species. This will trigger fish supply and consumption of different fish species.