| dc.description.abstract | Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water body in the world after Lake Superior and the largest
in Africa. With its 69,000 km2 cover, the lake was designated as an economic growth zone with the
potential to develop into a major common economic hub for East Africa countries. In fact, it was
because of this potential that triggered boarder conflicts among the riparian countries. Considering
the steep rise in fish demand both in the local and international markets and constant decline in fish
yields since 1990s, urgent solution to these problems was necessary.
e- Solution model was designed to provide a reliable and practical mechanism in improving fish
trade along Lake Victoria. To achieve this goal, the study first investigated the existing e-commerce
models relevant to fish marketing along L. Victoria, conducted a case study to assess the needs and
values of fish traders and developed e-commerce adaptive to the needs of all stakeholders in this
trade. The analysis of the collected data from the field revealed that over 80% of stakeholders in this
trade approved the adoption of ICT in the trade. This they cited will drastically change the negative
perceptions fishermen have in the trade.
The e-Solution model was tested to evaluate its validity and viability using a prototype developed
using the principles, procedures and tools of Rapid Application Development (RAD) method.
Various applications like PHP, MySQL and Frontline SMS was very useful for developing both web
and SMS applications. This enabled provision of real-time fish marketing information to fish traders
and the goal of the model of improving fish trade by ensuring transparency and equity in this trade
was achieved.
Finally, since many users approved and supported actual implementation of the model, it was
concluded that this study achieved its goal of developing a model that could be used by stakeholders
to effectively and efficiently modernize fish trade along Lake Victoria. The model therefore will
contribute towards making L. Victoria a major economic hub for East Africa countries. | en |
