Production, Socio-Economic Characterization, Handling Practices And Post Harvest Loss Of Fish At Fincha And Amerti Nashe Reservoirs, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fisheries play a significant role in food security, livelihood, income generation, and social development in developing countries (Hossain et al., 2015). The growing demand for animal protein and improved technologies in the sector has a significantly contributed to the industry’s growth, making an important contribution to the animal protein supply in both industrialized and developing countries (Getu, 2015).Due to this, the study aimed to assess the production, socio-economic characterization, handling practices, and post-harvest loss of fish at Fincha and Amerti Nashe reservoirs, in East Wollega, Ethiopia. The cross-sectional-based descriptive and exploratory research design was employed to get both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data were collected from the fishermen, whereas secondary data were collected from Abay Choman District Office.A total of 176 fishermen were chosen using systematic random sampling methods from the four kebeles surrounding the reservoirs. A questionnaire survey, FGD, and direct observations were used to get primary data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics like chi-square, one way ANOVA and Binary logistic regression. The fishermen’s population was dominated by males (90.90%), single (54.54%), protestant (40.91%) and illiterate (50%). The most common fish caught (73.30%) is the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and 77.30% of the fishers are members of the cooperative association. About 68.2% of them go fishing ground only one time per week.The total per capital annual total production is thought to be 773.76±372.84 kg. Fincha reservoir contributed the higher mean total weekly and annual per capita production of fish (15.57±7.98 and 809.64±410.80kg, respectively) than the Amerti reservoir (13.86±6.11 and 720.72±317.72 kg, respectively). The result showed significant difference in per capital weekly production of fish among the study kebeles (p < 0.05).They primarily fish for food (45.45%). The age of the fishermen and family size are the two determinant factors of fish production (p<0.5). The mean per capital fish sold by fishermen per week is 7.25±3.94 kg, with the higherresult obtained from the Fincha reservoir area (7.79±4.52) (p <0.05). Family size was the only factor that significantly affecting fish marketing (p<0.05). The annual percapita income from fish was also 7449.52±2767.44 Ethiopian birr with higher income obtained from Fincha Reservior (7613.32±2904.20 Ethiopian birr) (p<0.05). The mean amount of fish consumed per family per week is 17.64 kg, with a higher result obtained from Fincha Reservoir (5.34 ± 0.44 kg) (p<0.05). Family size, educational background and fishing gears are the determinant factors for fish consumption (p<0.05). The percapital fish post-harvest loss per week was 3.14±1.87 kg, and the higher result was recorded from Fincha Reservoir (166.92±100.36 kg).Quality loss is the main type of post-harvest loss (54.6%) in the study area with a peak loss observed in April and May. Age, types of fishing gears, season and preservation materials were all factors affecting the fish postharvest loss (p<0.05). Fisheries are mildly managed resources using only the legally recommended mesh size and collecting large-sized fish, and age and educational level were the two factors affecting fisheries management (p<0.05). In general, fish production is primarily for domestic consumption, and it makes a very small socioeconomic contribution. This is brought on by subpar practices in the study area for harvesting, preserving, postharvest loss, and management. Therefore, it is crucial that all parties involved work together to integrate their efforts in order to effectively exploit and use it for food security and subsistence