Abstract:
This study was conducted in Amhara regional state, central Gondar administrative zone, Takusa
woreda with the aim of investigate challenges, opportunities and the livelihood contribution of
fish production for fishermen. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to
select five site and 124 sample respondents, respectively, based on nearness to the lake. The
sample size used determined by using Yemane formula and then respondents selected randomly
to reduce any bias and make it representative. Both primary and secondary data were collected
and used. Primary data were collected through questionnaire, key informant interview and field
observation. The quantitative data were analyzed through simple descriptive statistics like
percentage by using statistical package for social science (SPPS version 20) and presented
through tables. The inferential staticslike chi square were also used. The result of the study
revealed that the local people practice fishing activity throughout the year, but there was low
demand of the society for fish production. Fish production have a significant correlation with
educational status and work experience. Beside this, lack of fishing tools, low demand,
occurrences of theft case, low skill in fishing, involvement of illegal fishermen were the major
challenges that hinder fisher men to produce more. The study also revealed that the availability
of Lake Tana, which is highly suitable for fish production, production throughout the year,
availability of varieties of fish species, availability of training and credit were the major
opportunities that exist to enhance fish production in the study area. Beside this, the study
revealed that the major livelihood contribution of fishery was source of food, supplementary
income, job opportunity. Finally, the study revealed that the involvement of illegal fishermen
increased from time to time and the fish demand of the society decreased. Therefore, Takusa
woreda fishery development offices and other stakeholders should give due attention to keep
good opportunity and to reduce the problem and challenge of fish production in lake Tana
addressed in the study.
