Strategies to improve trade in Dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) from Lake Victoria

Abstract

The production of dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea), one of three major commercial fish species in Lake Victoria, has increased and it now contributes 55% of the catch, but only16% of its value. Less than 30% of production is utilised for human consumption, with the rest being used for stock feed. This study assessed the dagaa trade to develop strategies to improve its contribution to nutrition, food security and incomes. It involved298 respondents from landing sites, markets, feed production industries, supermarkets and border posts while institutions involved with policy and data collection and management were also consulted. Dagaa offered livelihoods to women and youths as vulnerable groups. Uganda and Tanzania were exporters of dagaa while Kenya was an importer, while it was also exported to neighbouring countries. Prices and net revenues fluctuated seasonally and most of the catch was sun-dried on nets and on bare ground which resulted in high post-harvest losses. Most traders operated within their own countries and thus had little incentive to improve quality and meet food safety standards. Most dagaa were sold at the beaches but small quantities of were sold in supermarkets. It is recommended that institutions should strengthen policy, information, fisheries management, quality assurance, market regulation and data capture.

Keywords: Dagaa; Post-harvest losses; Quality control, Trade; Utilisation; Value addition