Small-Scale Fish Traders’ Sourcing Practices and Fish Sustainability in Lake Victoria, Magu District, Tanzania

Neema Ngowi, Perazia Robert Magesa & Pancreas Nyaluhela
Department of Procurement and Supply Management
College of Business Education – Mwanza Campus
Email: neyngowi67@gmail.com/ magesaperazia@gmail.com/ pnyaluhela@gmail.com

Abstract: This study surveyed the influence of small-scale fish traders’ sourcing methods on fish sustainability in Lake Victoria, Mwanza, Tanzania, specifically in Magu District. Structured questionnaires and interviews were utilized to collect primary data for the cross-sectional study design. All of the Magu District’s small-scale fish sellers were part of the target population. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to choose the sample, while Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 384 respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using the content analysis method. The results showed that, at the significant level of p<0.05, the sourcing procedures of small-scale fish traders (SSFT) favorably improve fish sustainability, as indicated by the regression coefficient of P-vale (.000). Additionally, a descriptive statistic showed that sourcing practices contribute to fish sustainability by (Mean=3.97). Small-scale fish dealers’ primary sourcing practices include determining if fish are mature before purchasing, avoiding purchasing specific species during their breeding season, and adhering to local fish trade laws when selecting which fish to purchase. The study findings concluded that fish species sustainability is impacted by SSFT sourcing practices. In order to guarantee that only legal fish are supplied to customers and to inform the public about whichfish are safe to eat, the study advises fish regulatory bodies to maintain their strong enforcement of fish legislation.