Contributions to the livelihoods of fishermen and determinants of fish production from Lake Tana and Rift Valley Lakes, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify determinants of fish production by fishermen living around Lake Tana and the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes, specifically Lakes Ziway, Hawassa and Chamo over a course of one year production (2019). The study areas were selected purposively due to their higher total annual fish catches and fish contribution in the local and urban communities around fish production areas and cities of Bahir Dar, Ziway (Batu), Hawassa, Arbaminch and Addis Ababa. A total of 450 fishermen were randomly selected for this study. The data were gathered through the use of structured questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and econometric analytical methods. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation method of linear regression technique was used to test the determinant factors. Fishing is the first major source of income, accounting for 67%, 73%, 68.9% and 59.3% of fisher’s livelihoods, respectively in Lakes Tana, Ziway, Hawassa and Chamo, respectively. Linear Ordinary Least Squares Regressions analyses showed that income of petty trades, the number of reed boats, gillnets, land owned for crop production and fishing trips were the determinant factors significantly influencing the volume of fish produced. The study further suggested that education and training, alternative income-generating activities, increased ownership of land owned, improving access to credit services, efficient government support and better-organized cooperatives should receive due attention to improve fish production and sustainably manage fish resources in Ethiopia.