Understanding the Risks to Artisanal Fishers on Lake Victoria Using Design Methods

The purpose of this study was to document, understand, and communicate the daily activities and associated risks faced by artisanal fishers working on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, in order to identify opportunities for intervention design.

Established human-centered design techniques were combined with drowning risk analysis to create a process that visually captured and analyzed the risks to fishers in two lakeside communities engaged in long-line fishing (mostly by day) and net fishing at night.

Two visual journey risk maps were developed. One map detailed the long-line fishing process for larger fish like Tilapia and Nile Perch, while the other focused on seine net fishing for dagaa at night. Each journey map covered the "before," "during," and "after" stages of fishing activities. For long-line fishers, preparation began early in the morning, including food and equipment collection, launching the boat, and setting long lines at the fishing site. Risk scenarios, such as storms or boat capsizing, were identified, with fishers often relying on makeshift flotation devices. For seine net fishers, the journey began in the afternoon with preparatory tasks at the fishing camp. Night fishing required the deployment of solar lamps to attract fish, followed by net casting. Risk factors like boat collisions, crew fatigue, and engine failure were noted. Both groups identified common risks and discussions around these journey risk maps emphasized the need for holistic safety interventions, including access to accurate weather forecasts, buoyancy devices, and formal safety training. The participatory mapping approach enabled fishers to provide valuable insights into how risks can be mitigated.

Small-scale artisanal fishers working on Lake Victoria face significant drowning risks. The design-led co-creation of visual journey risk maps with fishers and drowning prevention experts allows a deep understanding of livelihood journeys and associated risks. Opportunities for risk mitigation and intervention design are presented visually. Further research combining other design tools with scientific analysis could highlight points where control measures can be most effectively implemented, but this must be documented, and its impact and effectiveness evaluated. Interventions suggested by the process will be co-created and evaluated for effectiveness.