The Role of Middlepersons on the Marine Small Pelagic Fishery Sustainability in Tanga Region, Tanzania

The Role of Middlepersons on the Marine Small Pelagic Fishery Sustainability in Tanga Region, Tanzania

Marine small pelagic fisheries (SPF) in Tanzania play a vital role in food security, employment, and the national economy. However, sustainability challenges, including overfishing, climate change, weak governance, and unsustainable fishing practices, threaten their long-term viability. While previous researches has focused on fishers and regulatory frameworks, the role of middlepersons who connect fishers to markets remains underexplored. Middlepersons significantly influence price setting, value distribution, and market access, yet their influence on ecological sustainability and socioeconomic equity is unsung and not well documented.

This study aims to assess the contributions of middlepersons to SPF sustainability in Tanga Region by (i) examine the economic, social, and operational tasks of middlepersons in the marine SPF value chain; (ii) assess the implications of middlepersons on the marine SPF value chain and (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks governing the operations of middlepersons in the marine SPF value chain, with a focus on  sustainability outcomes.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach in two major landing sites including Kipumbwi and Mkwaja in Pangani District. Data will be collected using documentary review, surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, stakeholder mapping, and field observations. A cross-sectional design will capture the influence of middlepersons on seasonal variations in SPF activities. Quantitative data will be analyzed using STATA, while qualitative insights will analysed using NVivo software.

The findings will provide empirical evidence to inform policy recommendations for better fisheries governance, promote market transparency, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing among value chain actors. This study will contribute to sustainability efforts by addressing regulatory gaps and enhancing middlepersons’ roles in fostering responsible fishing practices.