SOURCE::JAMII FORUMS
Figure 9 Fish value chain structure in Tanzania.
On the domestic market wild tilapia, Nile perch and Dagaa are the most popular fish species. Most of
the Nile perch entering the local market do not meet the minimum size or the export quality
standards. Aquaculture production of tilapia and catfish is minimal and only small quantities of farmed
fish are sold for local consumption, mostly directly at the farm gate.
The fish is sold in small and affordable portions. The fish for the domestic market is mainly distributed
by road. Most of the time the fish is transported in buckets on motorcycles, but also in refrigerated
trucks. The transport between most cities in Tanzania can be done within one day. Dagaa and Nile
perch by- products are exported to the region. Around 90% of the Dagaa goes to Kenya for producing
fish meal. The Nile perch by-products go mainly to the DRC.
3.4.2 Domestic market
Local market: The local markets are the main areas where most households in Tanzania buy their
food. The fish availability in the local markets depends on the size and location of the market. Markets
in regions around lakes provide more fresh, sun-dried, smoked and salted Dagaa, Tilapia, Catfish, Nile
perch and Haplochromines (Furu) than markets further away from water resources. Large proportions
of illegal (too small fish) and rejected fish for export, are also traded at these markets. Markets in
coastal regions provide more marine fish products, like Indian mackerel, shrimps, squid and kingfish.
Market prices vary between TSH200 for a hand full of dagaa to TSH11,000/kg for kingfish.
Hotels and restaurants: Fish can be found on the menu of restaurants and hotels. The number of
hotels is growing and creates a high demand for (local) fish. According to the Tanzania Fisheries
Research Institute (TAFIRI), local fish are preferred (even if price is more expensive). Different kind of
local fish dishes are offered, but fried or stewed tilapia (between 300-500 grams) or shrimps combined
with vegetables and rice/potatoes are the most popular. Prices vary mainly between TSH9,000 and
TSH12,000/kg for above mentioned products.
Butcheries: Butcheries prepare and sell fresh and frozen cuts of animal products. Around the lakes and
sea there are butcheries selling different kind of fish. The high-end butcheries sell domestic fish, but
also imported fish, like pangasius (Vietnam), mackerel (India, China, Yemen) and tilapia (India and
Vietnam). Most of the time fish are sold per kg instead of piece. In the regular butcheries mainly
domestic fish are sold per piece or chopped slices.
Where beef and poultry are sold for around TSH6,000/kg and TSH7,000/kg respectively, fish prices
vary between TSH4,500/kg for Pacific mackerel and TSH15,000/kg PUD shrimps from Alphakrus Ltd.
Tilapias are sold for around TSH6,000-6,500/kg.
Retail: In Tanzania the number of retail markets is relatively low. Only the few larger retail markets
have fish products in their assortment. Most of the fish are processed and/or imported. Products that
are found in the larger retail markets are frozen PUD shrimps, Kingfish steaks, Squid rings, Pangasius
steaks and Tilapia fillets. Frozen tilapia fillets from China are sold for TSH18,000/kg. In the smaller
supermarkets only dried dagaa is sold in trays for a price of around TSH2,500 per 125 grams.
On average, Tilapia prices range from TSH 5,000-8,000/kg (€2.21-3.53/ kg), depending on the
location (near or away from fishery grounds). A detailed overview of fish prices in Tanzania is available
in annex 3.
In figure 10 the actual year prices and corrected year prices of Tilapia (Euro/kg) are given for the
period 2001-2013. The actual and corrected year prices decrease over time. Rapid inflation rates could
cause this decrease.
Figure 10 Nominal prices (blue line) and Real prices (green line) of Tilapia in Tanzania.
Sources: www.quandl.com; www.oanda.com.
3.5 Potential for aquaculture development
3.5.1 Production systems and areas
A potential for increased aquaculture production in Tanzania exists and is yet to be fully realized
(Wetengere, 2008; 2009; 2010). The area considered suitable for aquaculture development is
estimated at 58,000 and 64,300 square kilometres of fresh and marine waters respectively, an area
equivalent to 30% of the land area in Tanzania (URT, 1997). Figure 11 indicates regions and spatial
temperature variations. Yellow to orange areas are suitable for pond culture of tilapia.
