“In this briefing paper, we present preliminary observations on the extent of degradation of fishery resources on Lake George, the structure of actors engaged in exploitation of the fisheries as well as key factors determining winners and losers in terms of access to, and benefit from, the resource. In spite of the actual and potential wealth, this paper notes that the socio-economic status of major actors within fish-dependent communities around Lake George reflects a different reality. The main conduits of wealth, especially barias and Deyi-Deyi, are characteristically poor if assessed basing on the national poverty standards. We found that at landing sites, the ability of any group of actors to gain from available fish market was determined by two major factors; the behavioural aspects and the power possessed by a group of actors. Different ways of power use by different actors influenced both the market and decision-making processes.”
