Marketing and Livelihood Contribution of Fishermen in Lake Tana, North Western Part of Ethiopia

The study area was conducted in the North Western part of Lake Tana which are three commercially fish species are found (Tilapia, Catfish and Barbus species). The study was focused on fish production and marketing system. Three landing sites were selected purposively for the survey based on the experience of fishing practicest. A total of 95 fishers were interviewed: from each landing site (“Delgie 27”, “Goregora 35” and “Infranze 33.”). The data collection was conducted from October 2012-June 2013. This consists of both form primary and secondary source. A simple random sampling technique was employed covering fishers. Descriptive and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V-17) was used in analyzing. From sample respondents, 100% were reed boat owners. All sampled fishers from the three fish landing sites were used to catch Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and large barbs (Labeobarbus spp.). Fishing, crop production, animal husbandry, petty trade and causal laborer contributed 60%, 21%, 12%, 2% and 5% of fishers’ livelihood, respectively. Fisheries development interventions should be aimed at addressing both fish production and marketing problems. The study further suggested that fish quality, fish supply, education and training, licensing of the fishers and improving access to services should receive due attention to improve fish marketing and production system.