Value chain analysis of the fishery in lake Liambezi

Abstract

ABSTRACT The value chain concept was developed by Michel Porter in the 1980s .Keyser argued that the concept has gained considerable popularity in recent years. The concept include a full range of activities which are required to bring a product or service from conception, through the different phases of production, delivery to final customers, and final disposal after use. There have been little or no studies that have been published on value chain analysis in Namibia though, there is therefore a need to conduct value chain analysis of industries/sectors such as that of a fishery in order to examine it a detailed level. This study examined the fishery in Lake Liambezi through the value chain approach. This study made use of questionnaires and interviews focused on what value chain actors are doing, qualitative data collection tool provided information on prices and quantities of fishery products harvested from Lake Liambezi. This study involved the following value chain actors; fishers, fish traders, fish vendors, governing bodies and other stakeholders who are directly/indirectly involved in the fishery. The data recorded during this study was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The key players who are directly involved in the Lake Liambezi fishery were identified as; fishers, fish traders, and fish vendors. Major export markets were identified to be in Zambia and DRC. Most fresh fish is exported to Livingstone, while most dry fish is exported to Kasumbalesa. Constrains preventing full competitiveness of the value chain of Lake Liambezi fishery, were identified out as: lack of protective gear, low demand of products, and lack of storage facilities.