Structure, Conduct, and Performance of Usipa Fish Marketing in Malawi

Abstract

This study investigates the structure, conduct, and performance of Usipa fish (Engraulicypris sardella) marketing in Malawi using the Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) framework.　Data were collected from fishers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers across fish producing districts and major urban markets.　The analysis assessed market concentration using CR₄ and Gini coefficients, evaluated actor behavior, and measured performance using profitability, marketing margins, and efficiency.

Results show that while fishers, processors and retailers operate in competitive markets, wholesalers are moderately concentrated with high income inequality, driven by disparities in capital and access to supply.　Gini coefficients indicate very high inequality among wholesalers (0.79) and processors (0.59), with fishers at 0.53 and retailers showing low inequality at 0.28.　Market conduct is characterized by limited horizontal and vertical collaboration, and informal pricing.　Marketing margins and profitability are highest among wholesalers, but all actors operate inefficiently, with marketing efficiency ratios below 1.0, indicating high marketing costs relative to returns.　Despite high selling prices, retailers recorded the lowest daily net income due to small-scale operations.

The study recommends strengthening cooperatives/trader association for collaborative decisions, investing in cold storage and transport infrastructure, improving access to finance, and enforcing market regulation.　These interventions are crucial for improving equity, reducing inefficiencies, and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable Usipa fish marketing in Malawi.