MultiTip ER - Policy Insights and Implications
To strengthen evidence-based fisheries policy, MultiTip-ER collaborated with local stakeholders to produce an Occasional Report in 2025.
Field Interventions - Expert Prior Beliefs and Intervention Outcomes
MultiTip - ER Occasional Report #1
Authors: Timo Goeschl, Sorell de Silva, Florian Diekert, Santiago Gomez Cardona and Robert Kayanda
This report presents findings from a belief elicitation study conducted with regional fisheries experts on the expected outcomes of our field interventions in Work Package 2. Before sharing the empirical results from our 2024 field studies, we surveyed 38 local stakeholders to document their predictions. The report compares these expectations with actual findings, highlighting both areas of alignment and notable differences. The aim is to better understand existing knowledge gaps and support informed policy dialogue.
To read more on the research behind this finding, click here.
This Occasional Report was a follow through on
MultiTip - ER policy brief #1, Subsidizing Sustainable Dagaa Nets at Lake Victoria - read here.
MultiTip - ER policy brief #2 , A Bait Policy for Sustainable Longline Nile Perch Fishery - read here.
Policy Briefs
In Phase 1, policy briefs proved to be an effective and context-appropriate method of sharing research insights with stakeholders in the Lake Victoria region. MultiTip-ER (Phase 2) continues this approach by translating its findings into targeted policy briefs focused on enhancing the resilience of Lake Victoria.
Subsidizing Sustainble Dagaa Nets at Lake Victoria
MultiTip - ER Policy Brief #1
Authors: Sorell de Silva, Florian Diekert, Tillmann Eymess, Timo Goeschl, Robert Kayanda, Joseph Luomba, Horace Owiti
Sustainable fishing practices are essential for preserving Lake Victoria’s ecosystem and the livelihoods that depend on it. This policy brief shares new evidence from a field trial in Kenya and Tanzania, demonstrating that subsidies on LVFO-recommended dagaa fishing nets (8mm mesh size) can significantly increase adoption of the sustainable gear. A US$10 discount per net panel not only encouraged the use of compliant nets but also reduced the presence of non-recommended ones, with lasting effects observed after three months. These results highlight the potential of subsidies as a cost-effective, incentive-based alternative to traditional enforcement approaches.
To read more on the research behind this finding, click here.
This Phase 2 policy brief builds on a Phase 1 study on subsidizing dagaa nets
- to read about the study, click here and to read the policy brief, click here.
A Bait Policy for a Sustainable Longline Nile Perch Fishery
MultiTip - ER Policy Brief #2
Authors: Sorell de Silva, Santiago Gómez-Cardona, Bwambale Mbilingi, Herbert Nakiyende, Robert Kayanda
Left: Live Clarias gariepinus bait used in the study. Right: Nile perch catch from a study participant being weighed.
The expansion of the Nile perch longline fishery has increased reliance on wild-caught bait, contributing to ecological strain and unsustainable fishing practices. Research by MultiTip-ER shows that aquaculture Clarias gariepinus can be a viable and more sustainable alternative, offering similar—or even improved—catch performance while reducing pressure on vulnerable fish populations. However, widespread adoption may require educational programs and targeted subsidies, as aquaculture bait, despite its potential, currently lacks sufficient demand at market prices.
To read more on the research behind this finding, click here.
