Assessing the Role of Fish Consumption and Trading on Socio-Economic Development in Mogadishu

This study investigates the role of local fisheries, specifically fish consumption and trade, in socioeconomic development in the Banadir Region of Mogadishu, Somalia. Utilizing a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach, data were collected from 150 individuals involved in fishing activities through a survey questionnaire. The study employed Slovene's formula for sampling and SPSS Version 25.0 to conduct descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that 80% of the respondents were male and engaged in fishing, while 20% were female. For the independent variable of fish consumption, a high average mean score of 3.9 indicated strong agreement among respondents that fish contributes significantly to nutrition and economic well-being in the region. Similarly, for the independent variable of fish trade, a high average mean score of 3.96 demonstrated strong consensus that fish trade plays a crucial role in Mogadishu's socioeconomic growth, with respondents recognizing its importance in employment generation, income creation, and food security at both local and global levels.Multiple regression analysis showed that fish consumption and trade combined significantly predict socioeconomic development in the region (F = 18.572, p < 0.05). Fish consumption (B = 0.214, p < 0.05) and fish trade (B = 0.478, p < 0.05) both made statistically significant contributions to the prediction of the dependent variable. The study highlights the importance of local fishery practices, particularly fish consumption for food security and fish trading in markets, in motivating people to purchase and consume fish as a driver of economic development in the country. The findings emphasize the need for policymakers and local organizations to support and promote sustainable fishing practices to leverage this sector's potential for socioeconomic growth in Somalia.