Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal
Open Access

Abstract

South Sudan Fish Processing and Value Chain Analysis of Juba City

Gobeng Likambo Seme Mamuru*, Daud Bona Lubani, Flora Magara Emmanuel, Rafile Talamuk, Johnson Jiribi Bali, John Sebit Benansio and Ngoepe Tlou Kevin

A 6-weeks study was conducted in the domestic fish markets and at the River Nile landing sites of Juba city to determine the demand of fish products. A total of 45 fish traders and 3 focus groups (8 individuals per group) discussions were selected by means of sampling techniques. 6 other government officials from different levels of institutions and academia were interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were provided with a well- structured guide together with the key informant interviews. Results of the study showed that, fish traders have got very low savings while running the fish businesses in Juba, Kator and Munuki Payams of Juba city. Respondents in the study area mentioned poor transport networks and marketing structures, multiple levies and taxes imposed on the fish traders, high transport cost, high rental fees for the business premises in the fish markets, limited and poor storage facilities and the lack of credits from the financial institutions to the fish traders’ associations and individuals were the major challenges confronting the domestic fish marketing in Juba city.
The experiences of the fish traders in fisheries business ranged from 2-5 years old and the motivations of the fish traders in joining fisheries business was the source of income generation activities and employment. Fish traders’ income generated from fisheries business not sufficient enough to cover their monthly expenses. Boats, small- sized trucks and motorbikes were the main transportation system for fish products from the production areas to Juba city. Fish traders used ice, sisal sacks, wooden boxes, woven baskets, plastic buckets on boats, defreezers, wooden tables, carpets and concrete slaps to handle their fish products during the transportation and selling processes at the fish markets. Marketing structures observed to be dominated by traditionally made systems causing high fish spoilage and loses. Majority of the fish traders were not members to any business associations or cooperatives. Few fish traders mostly women were members to Konyokonyo Women SACCO and the fish traders from Uganda were members in their country of origin. There is no fisheries policy framework to regulate domestic fish marketing in Juba city. Central Equatoria State Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries has a Fishery draft bill laying before Central Equatoria Revitalarised Legislative Assembly for readings and amendment. Long term planning by the government and partners for the development of fisheries sector with a focus on fish marketing structures and the landing sites to strengthened fish value chain in Juba city is required.

Published Date: 2021-06-03; Received Date: 2021-05-13