The role of fishery in livelihood security of fishing communities around lake Ziway, Eastern Showa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assesses the role of fishery in livelihood security of fishing communities in and around Lake Ziway. It is based on a sample of 125 households randomly selected from seven landing sites of the Lake. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews and personal observations were used to collect data for the study. The study results show that fishing technology on Lake Ziway is artisanal in nature and makes use of traditional rafts and wooden manual boats. The majority of the fishermen are part-time who are also engaged in multiple activities such as cereal production and livestock rearing to sustain their livelihoods. The study also shows that fish contribute to livelihood security by both serving as a major food item and by providing cash income ultimately used for the purchase of a variety of goods and services. Major challenges that impinge on the activity include backward and antiquated fishing equipment, reduced catch of targeted species, increased distance to fishing sites, limited access to credit, and lack of developed processing technology among others. Thus, if some or all of the challenges are tackled, fishing can become an economic pillar of livelihood security in the study area.

Keywords: livelihoods security, livelihood assets, artisanal, fishing communities, Lake Ziway, Ethiopia.