Supporting adaptive capacity of agropastoralists through fish production and marketing: The case of Tendaho Reservoir

Abstract

The present study was conducted to share the experience of promoting fish production and marketing from the Tendaho Reservoir of the Afar region, Ethiopia. The study results indicate the reservoir is serving its purpose, namely to generate gainful employment for the pastoralist youth and to create sustainable livelihoods and sources of income for the pastoralist‐fishermen of the Afar region. Further, the reservoir fish production has improved the nutrition and food security status of children. It also created a new business entry for hotels and restaurants in the area. Fishermen in the study areas, however, face problems getting the required support for such efforts, in the form of training in fish post‐harvest practices. The present study also indicates dried catfish marketing should be targeted in the short run to address the substantial fish spoilage observed in the high‐production hot season. Dried catfish marketing is highly recommended for the Afar region since it is well adapted to the climate of the study area, noting the product is less perishable and can be sold throughout the country. Dried catfish marketing is also expected to address the problem of gender inclusiveness, an issue clearly missing in the fish production system in the study areas.

The Contribution of Fisheries to Livelihoods of Communities around Alwero Reservoir in Abobo District, Gambella, Ethiopia

“…In doing so, respondents in the study area are using fishing and fish-related activities as employment opportunities, in the same way as reported elsewhere (Neiland et al, 2000, Welcomme et al, 2010. In Ethiopia, contributions of another reservoir (Tendaho) in the same manner as the result of this study, has been indicated to be a good source of employment for youth, livelihood income for the pastoralists-fishermen of the Afar people, improved nutrition, and food security (Mesay et al, 2019).…”

Potential fish yield and biology of some fish in Lake Hertale, Afar regional state, Ethiopia

“…The Afar Region is drought prone area and acute child malnutrition is higher than the national average [ 32 ]. On the contrary, that only about 21% of the actual potential of Tendaho Reservoir is currently being exploited by local pastoralists that have settled in the vicinity [ 13 ]. The large majority of pastoralists adjacent to the reservoir normally move with their cattle especially during the dry season.…”

“…A recent study by Ref. [ 13 ] indicated an increase in fish consumption and positive perception to fish as food after fish production begun in Tendaho reservoir. The growing fish demand can be met by integrating capture-based fishery with irrigation farming activities in the region.…”