Abstract:
Both communicable and non-communicable diseases have erupted as a result of fish-related
activities. The health effects of fishing activities are regrettably ignored and taken for
granted by the general public who frequent fish markets. Additionally, this phenomenon
has received little attention from researchers. The study’s primary objective was to
investigate activities at the Kivukoni fish market that could harm people’s health. The study
aimed to investigate incidents at the Kivukoni fish market that jeopardise public health and
investigate perceived gender implications of public health mismanagement. For both
quantitative and qualitative data, the study used a cross-sectional research methodology.
Random and purposeful sampling was employed to select respondents and key informants
at the market, and descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were used to analyse
qualitative data. On the other hand, qualitative data were coded in themes and sub-themes
to support the study’s goal. The study findings show that the market’s public health is
threatened by stalls, poor packing, spacing, and flooring, fish waste deposits, insufficient
drainage that draws flies, and loud noises. It was further revealed that foul smell, noise,
emissions, improper drainage, and poor sanitation caused the market to become wet and
slimy; resulting in flu, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, and cancer. The study
recommends that the government should prioritise improving health-seeking behaviour
among market users through education, awareness-raising, and skill development.
