Socioeconomic profile of fishermen and current status of fish production in Lake Koka, Ethiopia

Abstract

Alemayehu Abebe Wake*, Megerssa Endebu, Teferi Tolera and Tamiru Chalchisa

Lake Koka is one of the main fish production sites in Ethiopian Rift Valley. The status of fish production activities in a lake determines the socio-economic role and sustainability of the fishery in the area. The present study focused on the assessment of production system, socio-economic importance and current status of fish production activities around Koka Lake using cross-sectional research design and mixed research approach. The primary data were collected from 172 fishing households through structured questionnaire with simple random sampling techniques and additional key informant interviews and focused group discussions while, secondary data were carefully collected from district office and all necessary sources. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Based on the assessment results, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were the dominant and targeted species in overall fish production of Koka Lake. Fishing activities were performed during morning and at night time using non-motorized traditional boats and gillnet fishing equipment’s. The fishermen were full time (68.6%) and seasonally (31.4%) engaged workers using the fish as main livelihood income source and for home consumption. Majority of the fishermen had no access to training of fishery technologies and credit services. Almost all fishing households sell their products at the fish landing sites and at nearest village markets without adding value to their products. Based on trend analysis, fish production in the lake fluctuated from season to season and show declining trend in production at several fish landing sites. So, special attention should be given by all concerned bodies to improve fishing activities through intensive follow up with supporting implementation of appropriate fishery technologies and information.