Value-chain analysis of Kenya’s artisanal tuna fishery focusing on skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and kawakawa Euthynnus affinis

Abstract

This study investigates the value chain of Kenya’s artisanal tuna fishery targeting skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and kawakawa Euthynnus affinis. The study used an integrated approach combining a questionnaire survey and catch assessment data at four landing sites along the coast of Kenya to examine the socio-demographic profiles of key actors (i.e. fishers, traders, processors, and agents/investors), the structure and function of the value-chain nodes, and the associated economic benefits. The findings reveal that fishers, the primary actors, sell most of their catch (53%) to agents, with the remainder distributed to traders (20%) and processors (18%). Processors, predominantly women, play a key role in the value chain and had the highest net profit margin (49.5%). Limited post-harvest infrastructure, inadequate transportation and poor marketing conditions were identified as key challenges that impact the quality of the fish sold, and hence the income generated. These challenges disproportionately affect fishers who have limited access to market information and financial resources. The findings demonstrate the need for multi-level interventions to optimise benefits from the artisanal tuna fishery along the entire value chain, taking into consideration the economic, environmental and social dimensions.