The African Great Lakes (AGL) are among the world’s most important freshwater ecosystems, supporting fisheries that employ over 5 million people. Women represent the majority of traders and processors of fish. Small fish species, particularly in dried form, dominate the market supply. Known as Dagaa, these small fish species constitute 75% of the catches from nearly all African lakes. Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria are leading inland fish-producing lakes, contributing over 60% to the catches from both lakes, primarily involving Dagaa. Consequently, Dagaa are the second-most important species traded and consumed locally, regionally, and globally.
This photo essay maps out the value chain of the AGL small pelagic fish (Dagaa) from Lake Tanganyika (fished from Tanzania and DR Congo) and Lake Victoria (fished mainly from Uganda and Kenya). It traces the journey from the lakes in Africa to the plates in Canada, where they are primarily consumed by African diaspora communities. Additionally, this essay highlights the socioeconomic value and environmental impact of the transcontinental, women-led dried fish markets on people’s livelihoods and the sustainability of fisheries.
