IIFET 2012 Tanzania Proceedings
Assessing the Poverty-Illegal Fishing Nexus in the Lake Victoria Fisheries
Adolphine Kateka*, Adolf F. Mkenda*, Razack Lokina*
*University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Is there a direct link between poverty and illegal fishing in Lake Victoria? The paper argues that
presenting poverty as the main driver of illegal fishing in Lake Victoria masks core underlying causes of
illegal fishing. Illegal fishing practice is a significant ecological trend in Lake Victoria. It is not only
threatening the long-term sustainability of the fishery but also of the fishing communities dependent on it.
Illegal fishing is directly impacting the productivity of the lake through destruction of key interdependent
components of the lake‚ ecosystem and the habitats that fish depend on for breeding. It is estimated to
lead to millions of dollars‚ worth of lost annual economic benefits, and creates significant environmental
damage. Evidences show that more than 60% of fish caught through illegal fishing are juveniles. Thus,
the future capability of Lake Victoria to remain productive, hinges on the understanding of dynamics of
illegal fishing that include socio-economic, institutional, and global policies, among others. First, the
paper discusses the key theories that underpin the poverty-illegal fishing nexus. Second, using a metaanalytical approach the paper analyzes case studies of illegal fishing in Lake Victoria to reveal patterns
and key variables. Third, these variables are tested for significance level in order to differentiate between
underlying causes and proximate factors. The paper shows that poverty is a proximate cuse and not the
underlying factor behind illegal fishing in Lake Victoria. These findings are crucial for local and transboundary fisheries management policy interventions.