Fisheries Trade

This article addresses the connections between value chain actors in the tropical-marine small-scale fisheries of Zanzibar, Tanzania, to contribute to a better understanding of the fisher-trader link and how connections in general might feed into livelihood security. A sample of 168 fishers and 130 traders was taken across 8 sites through questionnaires and observations. The small-scale fishery system is mapped using a value chain framework both traditionally and from a less economic point of view where the assistance-exchange networks between fishery actors add another layer of complexity. Auxiliary actors previously disregarded emerge from the latter method thus shedding light on the poorly understood distribution of benefits from seafood trade. Female actors participate quite differently, relative to males in the market system, detached from high-value links such as the tourist industry, and access to predetermined or secured sales deals. Data shows that the fisher-trader link is not as one-sided as previously presented. In fact it has a more symbiotic exchange deeply nested in a broader trading and social system. Expanding the analysis from this link by taking a further step downstream highlights traders' own sales arrangements and the social pressures they are under in realizing them. A complex picture, inclusive of diversified perspectives, on interactions in the market place is presented, as well as a reflection on the remaining critical question: how to integrate this type of data into decisions about future fisheries governance.

Examining fisheries derived income and inequality from regional trade integration is a fundamental step in improving fishing community's economic benefit. However, detailed analysis remains poorly understood. This study was carried out in three fishing communities and one border post in mainland Tanzania to address this gap. Key actors and their roles within the value chain were identified. Differences in seasonal income were tested and examined how cross border fish trade (CBFT) contributes to income inequalities among actors in marine small pelagic fishery locally known as dagaa. Findings showed that 12 marine dagaa actors are involved in valueaddition activities that link production to consumption. Fishers earned the lowest average seasonal income, and a significant difference in income was found in the four seasons among actors. Further, it was found that processors and traders earned above the Tanzanian minimum wage per month for fishing and marine activities, suggesting that regional trade integration benefits actors through CBFT. However, the study observed that traders had higher income inequality than processors and fishers, attributed to the bias in financial power, market bargaining power, access to the market information and social network relationship towards traders. Such findings provide important insights for designing effective policies that balance the fair distribution of income derived from CBFT to generate positive livelihood implications.