Fishing in Caprivi

Abstract

Abstract by author:

This report brings together the socioeconomic issues from the fishery in the eastern Caprivi. The research was done in January and July 2004 and covered the Eastern Kabbe Constituency (Impalila and Kasika) and the Local market in Katima Mulilo. It examines the fishing activities of the Fish vendors and fishermen in the study area and how they use other natural resources to overlap with the fishing activities as the fishery sector has a significant role in the day-to-day life of the region. The first part examines the vendors and market characteristic of the fish they sell, income generated and other factors that characterize or shape the fish market. The second part looks at the fishing activities in the eastern floodplain focusing on the methods and gear used, how fish is divided between income and diet, degree of occupation and the market place of their catches, while the last part looks at the management issues regulating the fishery. The management is regulated by the Khuta at different levels. The Khuta regulates the use and prohibition of some gear. Little was known on the formal fisheries management measures with little guidance from appropriate authorities. The factors that affect the effective management of the resource have also been reviewed by the fishermen. The results have indicated that over exploitation of fish is high because of the weakness in the system the resource is managed and regulated