Development and Implementation of Digital Marketplace for Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Communities
Development and Implementation of Digital Marketplace for Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Communities
Metadata
Client: Food and Agriculture Organization
Lead Consultant: Prof. Abdi T. Abdalla
Registration Number:
Start Date:
End Date:
Description
The Lake Tanganyika Fishery Communities face significant challenges in accessing markets, achieving fair prices for their catch, and adopting sustainable fishing practices. The current market structure often relies on intermediaries, which leads to reduced income for the fishery communities and limited transparency in pricing. Additionally, the lack of modern infrastructure and digital tools hampers the communities' ability to effectively engage with broader markets.
This technical proposal outlines the development and implementation of a Digital Marketplace (e-Commerce platform) tailored specifically for the Lake Tanganyika Fishery Communities. The proposed platform will leverage mobile and web technologies to create a centralized marketplace where fishermen, fish farmers, fish processors, traders and consumers can interact directly. By doing so, the proposed digital marketplace will reduce reliance on middlemen, provide real-time market data, and facilitate better pricing and sales opportunities for the fishermen and fish processors from the Lake Tanganyika Fishery Communities.
The platform will be designed with user-friendly interfaces to accommodate users with varying levels of digital literacy. Key features will include a mobile application for listing and purchasing fish products, real-time market price tracking, payment gateway integration, and logistics coordination. Additionally, the platform will promote sustainable fishing practices through data-driven insights and educational content.
The implementation plan follows a phased approach, beginning with stakeholder engagement and requirement gathering, then progressing through design and development, pilot testing, and ultimately, full-scale deployment across the target communities. To ensure successful adoption and long-term sustainability, the project will also provide training and capacity building initiatives for at least 200 local community members, with a focus on inclusivity by prioritizing 60% women and 40% youth.
This Digital Marketplace aims to empower the Lake Tanganyika Fishery Communities by providing them with the tools and resources to thrive in the digital economy. It will foster economic growth, promote sustainable fishing practices, and improve the livelihoods of those who rely on the lake's resources. The proposed solution is scalable and designed with future expansion in mind, allowing it to adapt to the evolving needs of the communities and the market.
The project, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will be led by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI).
Team Members
- Dr. Eva I. Shayo
- Dr. Juma H. Lungo
- Dr. Moses I. Mchome
- Dr. Batuli M. Yahya
- Mr. Munir I. Said
- Mr. Shabo A. Mathias
- Mr. Jean-marie C. Bwemo
- Mr. Daudi A. Muhamed
Contacts
Please contact the Principal Investigator for all matters related to the project.
Email: abdit@udsm.ac.tz
Mobile: +255(0)776 188 588
You may also reach Head, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, under which the project is hosted:
Email: ete@udsm.ac.tz