DFM Reports & Books

The African Great Lakes (AGL) are amongst the most important freshwater ecosystems globally, with fisheries that employ over 5 million people, of which 3 million people are involved in small-scale fisheries (WorldFish, 2021), with women representing 44%, of whom 88% are fish processors and traders (FAO in WoldFish, 2021). Small fish species, in dried form, dominate fish supplies in markets. This photo essay maps out the value chain of the African Great Lakes (AGL) small pelagic fish of Lake Tanganyika (fished from Tanzania and DR Congo) and Lake Victoria (fished mainly from Uganda and Kenya). It shows the context of socioeconomic value and environmental impact that the transcontinental women-led dried fish markets have on people’s livelihoods and fisheries’ sustainability. AGL small species, named Dagaa, make up 75% of catches from nearly all African lakes. Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria are leading fish-producing inland lakes, mainly where Dagaa are fished and processed, with contributions of over 60% to the catches of both lakes. Thus, the second-most important species traded and consumed locally and across the region and the world. Photos are organized in categories of identified segments of the Dagaa value chain, mapping the export/import women-led dried fish business networks between the AGL region and Canada. Using the Structure-Conduct-Performance model and Political Ecology thinking, the essay highlights that AGL Dagaa fisheries use small-scale assets. While men handle fishing and distribution, women dominate processing and trading at landing sites. Imported Dagaa in Canada primarily serves the African diaspora, with high prices reflecting its cultural value. The essay underscores the need for research and policies for markets balancing exported and Canadian small fish to reduce pressure on AGL fisheries and create economic opportunities in Canada.