Socio-Economic and Gender Dynamics in Tanzania’s Small Pelagic Fisheries: Insights from the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria.

This study investigates the socio-economic dimensions, livelihoods, and gender roles within small pelagic fishery communities across the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria in Tanzania, highlighting their essential role in combatting hidden hunger through nutrient-rich food sources. Small pelagic fish, particularly dagaa, play a vital role in food security and nutrition, offering affordable, accessible, and nutrient-dense options critical for addressing micronutrient deficiencies, especially among low-income households. This study, through face-to-face interviews with 300 fishers, processors, traders, and households across four major sites (Kipumbwi, Sakura, Kijiweni, and Makatani), examines income levels, education, fish consumption patterns, and gender dynamics.

Findings reveal a predominantly male workforce (96%) in fishing activities, with increasing female involvement in processing roles. Households, averaging six members, exhibit gender disparities, with male-headed households more common and processors, often women, more vulnerable to poverty. Income disparities are evident: most fishers and traders earn above TZS 200,000 (US $77) monthly, while a significant portion of processors live below the poverty line, earning less than TZS 3,288 (US $1.26) daily. Although asset ownership is widespread, limited access to banking services, particularly for processors and traders, restricts financial security, with women more likely to engage in informal savings schemes.

Daily fish consumption patterns underscore dagaa’s role in alleviating hidden hunger by providing an affordable, high-protein, and micronutrient-rich dietary staple. Despite dagaa’s dietary significance, challenges such as seasonal price fluctuations, post-harvest losses, and limited infrastructure contribute to food insecurity and micronutrient gaps. The study recommends strengthening sustainable practices, expanding access to financial services, and reducing post-harvest losses through infrastructure improvements. These measures are essential to support resilience, gender equity, and long-term solutions for hidden hunger within Tanzania’s small pelagic fisheries.