Evaluating Socio - Economic Factors that Influence Poverty Reduction Among the Fisher Folk in Suba District, Kenya

Abstract

Poverty is lack of basic amenities or human requirements such as housing, land and other assets. It is an unacceptable human deprivation in terms of economic opportunity, lack of empowerment and security. It is pronounced as a state of being short of clothing, education opportunities and access to health services. Despite the crucial role played by the fisher folk in the social and economic development of the Lake Victoria region, they continue to be poor. The fisher folk in suba district form part of the rural poor. Their entrepreneurial skills, savings and investments levels have remained low. The objectives were to: examine the socio-economic characteristics of the fisher folk; determine the conceptualized causes of poverty among the fisher folk and analyze the economic activities that the fisher folk are engaged in to reduce poverty. The study used a descriptive research. The sample frame was a list obtained from suba county council. There were 65 landing beaches from which a simple random sampling was used to select 15 landing beaches. The population was 900 registered fish traders using 30% of the population the sample size was 270 distributed from 300 fishermen 90 respondents, 500 retailers 150 were selected from 100 wholesalers 30 were selected,3 key informants and 5 officials from fishery organization making a total of 278.The primary data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions. The secondary data was from existing reports, publications and the internet. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages whereas qualitative was organized and analyzed by creating themes and patterns, then evaluating the usefulness of the information to answer research questions. The major results majority of the fisher folk were between 41-50 years with a life expectancy of 37 years after birth. A total of 56% had no formal education with majority having between 11-15 years of business experience. The main causes of poverty included poor infrastructure, inadequate financial resources and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. disease, weak institutional capacity and inappropriate technology. The fisher folk engaged in both fishery and non fishery activities. Majority of the fisher folk had registered a decline in their businesses for the last three years and the study established that only a paltry number were saving and investing from their earnings. The study concluded that poverty is rampant among the fisher folk with each having own experience. The causes of poverty create negative impact and affect the operations of the fisher folk. The study recommends a significant support and formulation of policies, strategies and intervention measures necessary for the growth of the fish industry. The fisher folk should improve their competencies in business, financial, marketing management and handling practices. The Government should rehabilitate and maintain rural infrastructure.