Dar es Salaam. The fishing industry in Tanzania is experiencing significant disparities, with the Lake Zone outperforming coastal regions in trade value. A recent economic performance report for the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the Lake Zone accounted for 36% of the total fish sales in registered markets, while the South Eastern coastal areas, despite direct access to the Indian Ocean, managed only 20.8%.
The Lake Zone generated a fish trade value of Sh66.5 billion, in stark contrast to the South Eastern zone—which includes Mtwara, Lindi, Tanga, and parts of the Coast Region—where the value reached only Sh38.4 billion. Experts attribute this gap to various factors, including disparities in fishing infrastructure, market access, and government policy support.
The Principal Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries stated that efforts are underway to enhance the fishing industry across the country. While the Lake Zone saw early success, advancements in the coastal regions indicate potential for growth and future competition.
Specialist opinions suggest that the dominance of the Lake Zone is linked to the nature of its fishery resources. Freshwater fish, especially those from Lake Victoria, are in high demand both locally and regionally. For instance, species like Nile perch and tilapia command premium prices in various markets.
Additionally, freshwater fish benefit from easier handling and transport compared to marine fish, which often require complex processing due to rapid spoilage. This efficiency allows traders in the Lake Zone to operate with lower costs, thus maximizing their profits.
Interestingly, while the Lake Zone recorded a total of 5,822.7 tonnes of fish traded in September 2024, the coastal region’s output was higher at 6,835.6 tonnes. However, the lower total value from the coastal areas indicates weaker pricing power, likely due to quality issues and market structure challenges.
Logistical issues significantly impact the coastal fishing industry, which remains underdeveloped compared to the organized structures seen in the Lake Zone. Many coastal fishers lack access to proper equipment, which undermines their competitiveness.
To further complicate matters, post-harvest losses are substantial along the coast due to limited cold storage facilities, preventing many from bringing their catch to market successfully. This limitation forces coastal fishers to accept lower prices for their quickly spoiling catches.
Experts argue that promoting deep-sea fishing could diversify and increase the coastal fishing output, but this sector is currently hampered by inadequate investment in modern vessels and essential cold storage infrastructure.
The Lake Zone’s robust trading connections enhance its market stability, with freshwater fish traders establishing strong networks with buyers in neighboring countries. In contrast, coastal fishers are primarily reliant on local markets, which can lead to price instability.
For coastal regions to close the gap with the Lake Zone, stakeholders suggest that investments in modern fishing technology and substantial policy reforms are essential. Transitioning from small-scale fishing to industrial practices, backed by government support and financing options, could revolutionize the coastal fishing industry, enhancing its competitiveness and potential for growth.
