Abstract:
The study’ overall objective was to investigate the factors influencing the growth of fishing activities in Lake Kyoga- Amolatar district. Its specific objectives were to; Determine how the socioeconomic factors and the demography of the households influences the fishing activities, analyzing the Households’ perceptions towards fishing, and investigating their profitability towards the fishing activities. The survey was conducted by use of structured questionnaire where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a total of 80 respondents (The Fishermen, fishmongers, drivers and traders). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study revealed that fishery activities are dominated by lowly educated people and majority are males who are married with household size ranging from 3 to 8 persons on average. Greater percent of 72.6% prefers fishing and they do rank it number one in generating high income as compared to other activities. Greater percent (66.6 %) of the sample also practice fishing for subsistence purpose, and 65% do believe that the newly recommended vessels are easy to use though 28.8% had placed it that the newly recommended vessels are difficult to acquire, maintain and use due to the high price incurred and tax imposed. Various conclusions have been drawn basing on the findings for instance; the negative impact of socio economic factors like expenditure on fishery activity, the high level of marriage and birth rate due to high level of school dropout. Majority of the fishery community has a positive attitude towards fishing for instance more than half of the sample population takes fishing to be having lesser risks, and in turns generate much income visa vie other activities. Analysis has also shown that fishing activity is profitable, though it is corrupted up by high expenses in terms of purchasing, maintaining and operating of the vessels, as well as tax imposed upon the use of those vessels.
The study thereafter recommended that fishery community should be sensitized on appropriate way of saving, for instance through Sacco group. In addition, there is need to reduce on the prices of vessels, maintenance and operational cost should as well be checked for instance through reducing on fuel price thus enabling them to generate more revenue.
