Fishing Life in the Bangweulu Swamps (2): An Analysis of Catch and Seasonal Emigration of the Fishermen in Zambia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe and characterize the swamp fishing in the Bangweulu Swamps, Zambia. The fish catch by the several fishing methods are analysed after these methods are outlined. As a result of the analysis, it is indicated that each production unit chooses a fishing method to catch a particular group of fish, such as Mormyridae or Cichlidae fish. The types of fishing activity among the fishermen are divided into three classes in terms of their fishing seasons and methods. These types of fishing differ from each other as to how far their villages are from the swamps and what time schedules of agriculture are made according to the limits of the season or the period of fishing in the swamps. By analysing these types alloted to different ethnic groups, it is clarified how the swamp area is actually utilized by the several ethnic groups from different areas. Most of the fishermen in the Bangweulu Swamps are the part-time fishermen who are also engaged in cultivation to a considerable extent. It is discussed why these essentially agriculturalists carry on fishing for themselves without making symbiotic relationships with other fishing specialists. They can get a good cash income by selling the catch, and this urges them on with fishing. The fish meat is also appealing to them, for they do not have many domestic animals, nor can so many animals be hunted around their home villages. Thus, it is concluded that both of the subsistence activities, cultivation and fishing, are essential to the life of the swamp fishermen in the Bangweulu Swamps.