Mother's Choice Fish

    Commercial fishing on Lake Victoria is very competitive. This competition, plus the fact that almost all the tilapia and Nile perch caught on the lake are sold on the world market, leave very little of this fish available for the local market.
    As a result of a 2002 study conducted by TEDI's Bukoba chapter, local fishermen began harvesting the sardine-like Dagaa. While nutritious, the Dagaa is not in demand internationally. With TEDI advice and encouragement, Lilian Lwakatare began a business selling Dagaa in Bukoba and the surrounding region. Lillian's "Mothers Choice" business employs six women to clean and package the fish. Due to Mothers Choice, many Bukoba area families have Dagaa as an added source of protein. TEDI continues to look for better, more cost effective ways to package and market the fish.