Assessment of Market Survey Analysis on Fish for Mgombezi Community Aquaponics Project

Abstract

The market survey analysis aimed to collect information on the demand, supply, pricing trends, and consumer preferences for fish among the communities living in the area and its environs. This information would support the Mgombezi community’s initiative to implement fish farming using aquaponics technology, to address malnutrition, kwashakor and food insecurity and at the same time empowering community members through experiential learning to discover and solve their own problems. An observational and survey method of study was employed. Primary and secondary data collection strategies were used. It involved planning for the survey where use of face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, phone calls and observations at markets were adopted. Questionnaires were used to collect information. The questions that sought to know fish types that had high turnover; fish types in high demand; price trends in each market and season; and sources of fish sold. Other data collected included the type of market, open or enclosed in a building or space; source of fish in terms of whether locally or externally sourced; buying/selling price; perishability, whether high or low; mode of transport, either motorbike or vehicle; market capacity; demand/supply; government interventions, among others. During the survey, 27 different types of fresh fish were sold in these markets. Almost 99% of these fresh fish were salt water fish obtained from the nearby Ocean. Few fresh water fish either from Lake Victoria or from China found their way into these markets. Most Coastal communities preferred salt water fish rather than fresh water fish.  The quantities of dried fish sold were also pocket friendly and therefore either sold in kilograms or in tins. These dried fish formed the major source of fish protein for most communities living in the hinterlands away from the sea. The study revealed that fish marketing is a viable business and offers significant growth opportunities since the demand for fish cannot be satisfied as evidenced by the high prices. However, there is need to address the observed challenges especially on provision of cold storage facilities and processing equipment since fish is a highly perishable commodity.