FAO/UNDP PROJECT UGA/87/007
FISHIN NOTES AND RECORDS

FIELD DOCUMENT NO. 1 FISHERIES STATISTICS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN UGANDA: PAST APPROACHES, CURRENT STATUS, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

A REPORT OF THE PROJECT TEAM

Edited By

J. Eric Reynolds
Jackson Wadanya, &
Dick Nyeko

This field document is one of a series of reports prepared during the course of FAO/UNDP Project UGA/87/007. The conclusions and recommendations given in the report are those considered appropriate at the time of its preparation. They may be modified in the light of further knowledge gained at subsequent stages of the project.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material and maps in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Development Programme nor the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

ABSTRACT

This report essays a broad examination of fisheries statistics and information capabilities and prospects in Uganda. Following an historical review, the organisation, operation, and shortcomings of current approaches to information collection and management are discussed. It is noted that even though the situation has become particularly critical of late, owing to prolonged civil instability and economic disruption, there is a tradition of commentary and diagnosis pertaining to weaknesses in fisheries information management in the country that goes back for many years. Several attempts to rectify the situation have been mounted in the past without notable or lasting success. On the basis of a literature review and field investigation findings, further recommendations are put forth for upgrading of statistical and information management, including training for various grades of UFD staff. Most of the recommended measures are anticipated as part of the FISHIN Project's workplan.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is an effort of the entire team of FAO/UNDP Project UGA/87/007, Fisheries Statistics and Information Systems (FISHIN). Team members include: E.J. Coenen, Chief Technical Advisor/Bio-Statistics (BIOSTAT) Advisor; F.L. Orach-Meza, Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries/National Project Director; J. Eric Reynolds, Socio-Economics (SEC) Advisor; J. Wadanya, Fisheries Officer/BIOSTAT; D.Nyeko, Fisheries Officer/BIOSTAT; J. Ikwaput, Fisheries Officer/BIOSTAT; R. Tumwebaze, Fisheries Officer/ BIOSTAT; C.T. Kirema-Mukasa, Fisheries Officer (Marketing)/SEC; O.K. Odongkara, Principal Research Officer (UFFRO)/SEC. Thanks are also due to Mr. J. White, Consultant Naval Architect, for his help with figure and design work.

-- E.J. Coenen
CTA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.   INTRODUCTION

2.   REVIEW OF PAST EXPERIENCE

2.1   Early Developments: c.1900–1930
2.2.   First Statistical Returns; Formation of The Lake Victoria Fisheries Service: c. 1930–1960
2.3   The Sastry Report: Evaluation of Data Collection

2.3.1   Production Factors
2.3.2   Production
2.3.3   Utilisation, Demand, and Supply
2.3.4   Socio-economics
2.3.5   Biometrics

2.4   The Sastry Report: Suggestions For Improving Data Collection
2.5   The E.A. Statistical Department Committee: Disbandment of the LVFS: c. 1960–1967
2.6   The Lake Victoria Fisheries Research Project: c. 1967–1972
2.7   Other Developments in the UFD: c. 1969–1974

2.7.1   The Stoneman Evaluation of Data Collection
2.7.2   Aerial Fishing Craft Surveys

2.8   The Lake Victoria Fisheries Commission: c. 1973–1977
2.9   Disruption and Revival: The 1970s and 80s
2.10   The Post-Harvest Sector and Fisheries Socio-Economics

2.10.1   The Crutchfield Report
2.10.2   Other Socio-Economic Studies

3.   REVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION

3.1   Administrative Structure and Responsibilities
3.2   Staff Training and Disposition

3.2.1   University Training
3.2.2   Fisheries Training Institute Courses
3.2.3   Staff Postings

3.3   Data Collection

3.3.1   Catch Statistics
3.3.2   Processed Fish Statistics and Processing Facilities
3.3.3   Fisheries Data Collection at Markets
3.3.4   Export and Import of Fish Products

3.4   Information Processing, Storage, Retrieval, and Dissemination

3.4.1   Field Stations
3.4.2   District and Regional
3.4.3   Fisheries Headquarters
3.4.4   UFD Registry, Publications, and Library Facility

4.   TOWARDS AN IMPROVED RECORD: FUTURE PROSPECTS

4.1   Current Deficiencies: A Summary
4.2   Current Deficiencies: Underlying Factors
4.3   The FISHIN Project

5.   CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1   Information Management: The Enduring Challenge
5.2   Summary Recommendations

REFERENCES CITED

APPENDIX I.   TABLES

APPENDIX II.   FIGURES

APPENDIX III.   MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN FISHERIES STATISTICS AND INFORMATION COLLECTION IN UGANDA: A CHRONOLOGY

LIST OF TABLES

1.   AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR FISHERY STATISTICS COLLECTION

2.   UFD STAFF DISPOSITION IN PROJECT AREAS

3.   MONTHLY RETURN, KICHWAMBA REGION, DEC. 1988

4.   ESTIMATED CATCHES FROM LAMBU LANDING, MASAKA REGION, 1988

5.   ESTIMATED CATCHES FROM SAMPLED LANDINGS, LAKES EDWARD-GEORGE/KAZINGA CHANNEL, 1988

6.   DERIVATION OF ESTIMATED TOTAL CATCH, LAKE VICTORIA, 1988.

7.   ESTIMATED NATIONAL CATCH, 1988

8.   ESTIMATED QUANTITY AND VALUE OF FISH SOLD IN NYENDO MARKET, MASAKA DISTRICT, 1988

9.   ESTIMATED QUANTITY AND VALUE OF FISH SOLD IN SAMPLED MARKETS OF TORORO DISTRICT, 1988

LIST OF FIGURES

1.   FISHERIES REGIONS OF UGANDA

2.   ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF THE UGANDA FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

3.   SAMPLE MARKET RECORDING FORMAT A. (KAMPALA AREA)

4.   SAMPLE MARKET RECORDING FORMAT B. (KAMPALA AREA)

5.   FISHERIES INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: TOWARDS AN IMPROVED RECORD

ABBREVIATIONS USED

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. This report, the first Field Document of the FISHIN Notes and Records series, essays a broad examination of fisheries statistics and information capabilities and prospects in Uganda. Following an historical review, the organisation, operation, and shortcomings of current approaches to information collection and management are discussed.

2. There is clearly a need to make some fundamental adjustments in both the structure and scope of fisheries data and information management procedures within the UFD. Although the situation has become particularly critical as a result of the national turmoil of the recent past, the Project team finds that there is a lengthy history of commentary and diagnosis pertaining to weaknesses in fisheries information management generally, and of interventions intended to rectify the situation. It is disturbing that so many efforts have been made to little or no long-lasting avail.

3. At the same time, because the stakes are so great in terms of the fisheries real and potential contribution to the national welfare, it is more imperative than ever that the challenge of instituting an effective monitoring and reporting system be met.

4. On the basis of its review of the current status of fisheries statistics and information management within the UFD, and also with the precedents of earlier assessments, recommendations, and attempts at managerial improvement in mind, the team proposes that a number of interrelated measures be implemented by the Department. Most of these have already been anticipated in the work programme of the FISHIN Project. They may be enumerated as follows:

   1. Organisation and execution of a frame survey covering landing sites and facilities, and fishing and transport boats, needs to be undertaken by the Project. If possible, this should be complemented by an aerial census of fishing units.

   2. Organisation and execution of a census of processing, distribution, and marketing facilities around the lakeshore and in the immediate hinterland should also be conducted as soon as possible.

   3. Based on the results of the frame survey and facilities census, more effective and sustainable catch/effort and marketing sample designs should be formulated. Amongst other things this must entail a more rational field staff deployment arrangement, so that optimal coverage can be achieved in terms of available field staff and current concentrations of fishing effort and marketing activities, including cross-border trade.

   4. Also based on the frame survey results, in-depth investigations of critical aspects of the harvest and post-harvest sectors should be carried out through sample surveys of relevant populations of fish producers, fisherfolk community residents, and fish processors, traders, and consumers.

   5. Design of revised recording and reporting content and procedures is needed for the UFD's ongoing data collection and handling routines, so that monthly and yearly compilations and analyses contain more reliable and comprehensive information.

   6. Specifically, a standardised form for recording and tabulating field data must be developed. Records of each sampling session, should be noted on a separate form. For landings, minimal information requirements include: number of boats per type; number of gear per type; and catch weights and prices ex-canoe per species. For markets, minimal information needs to include weights, prices, form, and source of fish per species, and number of traders working at the sampled site.

   7. The number of landings and markets in each region must be carefully established through the frame/census exercises, so that raising factors may be applied to the returns from samples sites.

   8. Furthermore, it is crucial that all sampling be done on a truly random basis, i.e. one not dependent upon individual whim or convenience. The units of enumeration should be consistent throughout the country, and preferably throughout the countries sharing fisheries across the East African region as a whole.

   9. As part of the new standardised routine, a refresher training programme should be mounted for those in the field who will have responsibility for primary data collection. Also, a system of on-the-spot checks and quality controls should be instituted right up through the line of supervision. For field stations, this system should be based on the routine of sampling days. Initial provision of essential equipment and supplies to offices at all levels is required in order to put the new system into effect.

   10. Design and implementation is needed of a scheme for periodic surveys of key fishing and socio-economic factors over longer-term intervals -- on the order of every three to five years, for example. The routine monthly and yearly compilations of data could thus be “recalibrated” if need be, and set into a broader perspective on the state of the national fishing industry.

   11. Early attention must be given to restoring a viable system of information storage, processing, retrieval, and dissemination at the UFD Headquarters. Tasks to be addressed include training in computer use for Statistical Division staff, extensive rehabilitation of the central registry and library facilities, and the reactivation of the Department's publication programme.

   12. In respect to all research and analytical initiatives which touch on issues of fisheries statistics and information management within the country, closer collaboration should be fostered between personnel of the UFD and colleagues sharing their professional concerns in other agencies, particularly UFFRO and the Planning Unit of MAIF.

   13. Finally, closer collaboration should also be encouraged between fisheries authorities and their personnel across the wider East African region, particularly as regards the major fisheries of the shared waters of Lakes Victoria, Edward, and Albert.