ABSTRACT

Substantial changes have occurred over recent years in terms of the distribution, marketing, and utilisation of fish from the Ugandan portion of Lake Victoria, owing largely to the dramatic proliferation of Nile perch. Over much of the same period, Ugandan national life has been beset by immense political, social, and economic disruption, the slow and difficult process of recovery from which is still only in its initial stages. This paper describes the evolution of the fishery and fish distribution in and around the Lake and the present situation with regard to products, marketing channels, and prices. Major problems of fish distribution and marketing are identified and suggestions for future development actions set forth.

EDITORIAL NOTE

This is one in a series of Field Reports by the Socio-Economic Working Group of FAO/UNDP Project UGA/87/007, Fisheries Statistics and Information Systems (FISHIN). Socio-Economic Field Reports (SEC Fld Rpts) are intended as occasional working documents/ briefs/notes covering on-going Group activities, issued for the information of Project team members and other interested colleagues. Length, format, and content vary according to the type and scope of activity reviewed (field trips, surveys, studies, workshops, etc.). It is cautioned that observations and findings presented in the Reports should be treated as preliminary and subject to further verification. Correspondence, comments, and suggestions are welcomed and may be forwarded to: J. Eric Reynolds, Socio-Economic Advisor, UGA/87/007, FAO/UN, P.O. Box 521, Kampala, Uganda.