Contribution of fisheries to Uganda’s gross domestic product

Abstract

This study sought to establish the contribution of fisheries to Uganda's Gross Domestic product and analysis was done using data obtained from UBOS, World Bank, and URA for the period from 2010 to 2015. GDP was the dependent variable with the value of the share of fisheries to GDP, tax revenue and total exports as the independent variables.

Data analysis was done using STATA. Line graphs were used to show the trend of each variable, bivariate analysis carried out to establish whether a relationship existed between the dependent variable and each of the independent variables. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis was used for te multivariate analysis.

The results showed a positive relationship between GDP and the value of the contribution of fisheries to total exports and an inverse relationship between GDP and the share of fisheries in tax revenue and GDP.This was backed by evidence from other related studies.

Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that more emphasis be put on aquaculture, policies be put in place to attract both local and foreign investors and an improvement in policy formulation and implementation. The researcher also cited a need for further research to provide concrete evidence on the contribution of fish production, consumption, and trade to economic development.