Advanced Research in Economics and Business Strategy Journal
Volume 7, Numéro 1, Pages 318-338
2026-06-30
Fish Value Addition And Livelihood Outcomes Of Fishing Communities: Evidence From Mkinga District, Tanzania
Authors : Hussein Rashid Abeid .
Abstract
Fish value addition is widely promoted as a strategy for improving livelihoods in sub-Saharan African fishing communities, yet evidence from Tanzania's coastal districts remains limited. This study examined the association between fish value addition and livelihood outcomes in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, an under-researched coastal area, focusing on income generation and household welfare among fishery actors. A cross-sectional design involving 338 randomly selected registered fishermen was used, with data gathered through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review. The study was grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, operationalised across human, social, financial, physical, and natural capital. Value chain mapping, descriptive statistics, comparative price analysis, and multiple linear regression assessed value chain structure, perceptions, and economic performance. Eight major value chain strands were identified, linking fishers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors, and consumers. Notably, 99.1% of respondents sold only fresh fish and were not engaged in value addition, despite recognising its potential benefits. Adoption was constrained by limited processing equipment (8.7%), high startup costs (98.3%), and market barriers (93.0%). Regression analysis showed no significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics or perceived barriers and daily revenue (R² = 0.028, p = 0.220), suggesting revenue is driven mainly by trading volume and price rather than individual endowments. Processed fish commanded higher prices, yet many households still faced poor housing, food insecurity, and unsafe water access. The study concludes that value addition could improve livelihoods if supported by stronger cooperatives, affordable technologies, infrastructure, and market systems, offering new community-level evidence from Mkinga District.
Keywords
Fish value addition, fishing value chain, livelihood outcomes, post-harvest losses, food security, Mkinga District, Tanzania
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