Fisheries and SDGs at Namasagali Fishing Village, Kamuli Disrtict, Uganda

Abstract

Attainment of SDGs has been derailed mainly by conflicts, pandemics and climate change. In Uganda, limited quantification of the value Riverine fisheries provide to communities is a major driver to unsustainable harvesting and destruction fisheries resources. This study was conducted to determine the monetary value contributed to households by fisheries activities at Namasagali fishing Village, one of the spots along Victoria Nile, major challenges faced and possible strategies to be adopted to enhance community ownership and sustainable management. A cross sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires and data on major activities conducted around the fishery and the corresponding income recorded and as analyzed using SPSS statistical package. Results showed that fisheries activities aprovided the highest amount of daily household income of between (5000 - 100,000 Shillings; USD $1.35-2.70) to 45% of households in the community. This income was higher than the established World Bank poverty line of US $1.25/1.9 per day in the year 2005. Major challenge to sustainability of the fishery were use of illegal fishing gears and methods. Sensitization of the fisherfolk i and enforcement of fisheries regulations was recommended as the main strategy to advance sustainable fisheries resources at Namasagali Fishing Village.