Assessment of the impacts of post-COVID-19 intervention programs on the livelihood of artisanal fisheries in coastal areas of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Assessment of the impacts of post-COVID-19 intervention programs on the livelihood of artisanal fisheries in coastal areas of Zanzibar, Tanzania 

Zanzibar’s two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, rely heavily on artisanal fishery as the main livelihood activity for most coastal villages. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Zanzibar’s artisanal fisheries, disrupting income, market access and food security. In response, the government introduced intervention programs, including financial aid, infrastructure development, fishing gear subsidies, and training. While these measures aimed to support fishers’ recovery, their effectiveness in improving the livelihoods remains unclear. It is unclear whether these interventions have addressed the key challenges and whether they have led to any unintended consequences such as overfishing or unequal benefit distribution. 

This study aims to assess the impact of government post-COVID-19 interventions on artisanal fishers in Zanzibar. Specifically, it will evaluate how these programs have influenced income, food security, and market access. Moreover, the study will examine whether the interventions have improved fishing practices, enhanced safety, and supported sustainable livelihood strategies. It will also investigate the long-term sustainability of these measures and identify any social or economic inequalities in their implementation, particularly among marginalized groups like women in fisheries. 

The research will be conducted in 12 fishing villages in Zanzibar using a mixed-methods approach. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Statistical analysis using SPSS will measure economic impacts, while qualitative data will be analyzed using NVivo to assess fishers' perceptions and experiences. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) will guide the study, ensuring a holistic evaluation of how interventions have influenced fishers' resilience and adaptation to post-pandemic challenges.

 Findings from this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, ensuring that future interventions are more effective, equitable, and sustainable. The study will highlight best practices and areas for improvement, helping to refine policies that support small-scale fishers. Additionally, it will contribute to broader discussions on post-crisis recovery and sustainable fisheries management, offering lessons that can be applied in other coastal communities facing similar challenges.