The contribution of fisheries-based households to the local economy (Capital and Labour) and national fish yield: A case of Lake Bangweulu fishery, Zambia

Abstract

Fishing industry contributes 3.2% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is important to the household, society and the environment. Despite its importance, fisheries based household is marginalized and underreported in national policy and planning. This study was undertaken in Lake Bangweulu fishery, Samfya district, Luapula Province of Zambia to understand contribution of fisheries based household to the local economy. Four (4) variables National Fish Yield, Bangweulu Fish Yield, Number of Fishers (F) and Boat (B) were identified and analysed using Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) tests in the Strata Statistical Package and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) were generated. Results indicated that Fishing Economic Unit (boat and fishers) had an effect on the Lake Bangweulu annual fish yield (P < 0.05). The Stationarity test for the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test for National fish yield (8.476), Bangweulu fish yield (7.467), Number of fishers (12.306) and Number of boats (6.590) was achieved at 2 lagged series at 5% critical value. The average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at ZMW8.008 billion (ZMW 1 = USD 10) while the average annual economic contribution of the fishery was estimated at ZMW14.655 billion. Fisheries based households has the potential to positively contribute to the local economy (capital and labour) and national fish yield if effective policy and regulatory framework are enhanced. Key words: Gross domestic products, Local economy, Fish yield