Transactional sex in the fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Kenya: a catalyst for the spread of HIV

Abstract

The study describes the nature, context and implications of a unique form of transactional sexual relationships in the fishing communities along Lake Victoria  in Kisumu County, Kenya. We conducted 12 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews among fishermen, fishmongers and fish transporters in  Kisumu. Women fishmongers in the fishing communities commonly form relationships with fishermen, which are often sexual, as part of the jaboya system, wherein women who wish to sell fish in the market secure the rights to  purchase the fish caught by the fishermen. Due to the nature and context of the  sexual intercourse, sex typically occurs in a hurried manner, often without preparation or protection. Thus, by engaging in a web of these relationships, conducted in contexts that compromise their ability to practice safer sex, men and  women in these fishing communities are at increased risk of HIV.

Keywords: community profiles, East Africa, fisherfolk, fishing communities, HIV control, sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted infections, sociocultural aspects

African Journal of AIDS Research 2012, 11(1): 9–15