SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE FISHING IN THE SINGROBO-AHOUATY DAM PROJECT AREA (BANDAMA RIVER)

Dams bulding can lead to the disturbance of the living environment of aquatic species, directly impacting the fishing sector and indirectly the lives of riparian populations.A new hydroelectric dam is currently under construction on the Bandama River. This development could cause risks of disruption of the habits of the riparian populations who live from activities related to fishing. This study was conducted to obtain baseline data on the lives of the local populations before the dam is actually put in place in order to understand the long-term impacts of this hydroelectric development. Informationswerecollected every day, except holidays, in the villages of the area impacted by the development, between November 2019 and October 2020.A questionnaire was used with the actors (fishermen and fishmongers) and interviews were held to characterize their activities, income and socio-demographic profile. Most of the fishermen are natives who practice the activity on a part-time basis, with agriculture as a secondary activity while the non-native fishermen are full-time. The majority of fishermen are educated, with a rate of 48%. The others are either illiterate (31%) or have attended Koranic school (21%). They are adults in the 30 to 45 age group. The fishing activity is successful with excellent profit margins, despite the lack of organization noted in some localities. The distribution circuit observed involves sale by rope or by heap, and processing by smoking, with the involvement of fishmongers. In the study area, fishing provides a good income for the actors and is practiced mainly by Ivorians. The results of the characteristics of the fishing activities constitute a basis for assessing the future impact of the dam, and also for the managers in the implementation of a sustainable management plan of the fishery resources in this area.