A Post-Harvest Financial Loss in Small-Scale Fisheries Supply Chain in Tanzania: Case of Kivukoni Market, Ilala Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the influence of fishing methods on post-harvest financial losses at Kivukoni Fisheries Market in Ilala Municipality, Tanzania, addressing existing gaps in understanding how local fishing practices impact small-scale fisheries. The study employed a quantitative approach, using a cross-sectional research design and data collected from 114 respondents through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that traditional fishing methods significantly contributed to higher post-harvest financial losses, indicated by a negative correlation between these methods and efficient resource consumption (r = -.792, p = .407), revenue generation (r = .766, p = .435), and timely processing (r = .093, p = .749). The regression analysis demonstrated that traditional fishing methods had a negative but not statistically significant effect on post-harvest financial losses (β = -.020, p = .854), suggesting that modernizing methods could enhance financial outcomes. The study concluded that adopting advanced techniques, improving storage facilities, and streamlining operations were essential steps to improve economic outcomes for small-scale fishers. Recommendations included targeted training programs, investment in proper storage infrastructure, and the development of policies that support the transition to more efficient fishing practices

Keywords

• Fishing methods, post-harvest losses, small-scale fisheries, financial losses, Rational Choice Theory