Socio-economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping conservation practices by influencing the decisions and preferences of resource users. This study investigates the key socio-economic drivers behind the use of Mormyrus kannume as bait in the Nile perch (Lates niloticus) fishery.
Data was collected in March 2023 by administering a semi-structured questionnaire to respondents. A total of 166 respondents were interviewed at seven (7) selected landing sites along the Upper Victoria Nile and Lake Victoria. Results showed that socio-economic factors (bait type, bait cost, fishing experience, bait size and selling price of Nile perch) strongly influenced bait choice. There was a statistically significant relationship between bait cost and bait type selected (M. kannume, catfish, mudfish, and Synodontis) (P<0.05). Fishermen with 11–20 years of experience were more likely to use M. kannume, indicating that experience significantly influenced bait preference (P<0.05).
The size of the bait was significantly related to the size of Nile perch caught, which in turn influenced the market price, stressing the economic value of bait selection (P<0.05). Mormyrus kannume was the most preferred bait due to its effectiveness in luring Nile perch but was also the most expensive, ranging from US$0.27–1.09 per piece compared to US$0.03–0.27 for alternatives. Its high demand has resulted in increased scarcity, leading to subsequent targeting of populations at or below L50 thus limiting recruitment of the populations in the wild. This has resulted into overexploitation of the fish.
The study emphasizes the need to integrate socio-economic considerations into fisheries management strategies in promoting sustainable use of M. kannume. Development of national bait-use policies should include restriction of use of basket traps that catch young juveniles, ensure inclusion of co-management aspects with fisher communities and developing of captive breeding programs to ease pressure on wild populations.
Keywords: Mormyrus kannume, bait, socio-economic factors, Nile perch, fisheries management