Fire and Fish: Working Conditions at Dunga Fish Market

Abstract

Dunga Beach is a lakeside village just outside of central Kisumu, along the shore of Lake Victoria. Its culture is deeply connected to the lake, an important part of it being the fish. Caught from the lake, fried at the fish market and served at the many restaurants, all at Dunga Beach.

The study focused on the working environment at the market. It resulted in the realization that it could be greatly improved due to the demanding conditions that the women frying the fish face everyday at work. The challenges relate to high temperatures, polluted air and a shortage of water. As a first step in the direction of a more comfortable working environment, a prototype was built with the intention of improving the air flow around the firewood stoves that are used for frying. It works by modifying the existing roofs, creating an outlet for the smoke. Furthermore, it makes use of rainwater, leading it to a tank where it can be collected for use.

The field study was carried out with the valuable support of the people at DECTTA as our local mentors, the eco tourism association at Dunga Beach.