FACTORS INFLUENCING GROWTH OF FISH PROCESSING FIRMS IN PUNTLAND: THE CASE OF BOSSASO DISTRICT

Fish harvesting in Somalia is very limited and unexploited natural resource due to existence of several factors that influence the growth of the fishing processing firms. This study focused on the factors influence growth of the fishing processing firms in Puntland State of Somalia. The general objective of this study was to examine the factors influence growth of the fishing processing firms in Puntland. The study examined how variables such as technical skills availability, Capital availability and culture are influence growth of the fish processing firms. The study was quantitative in nature; the study targeted population of 96 respondents from fish companies? in the Bosasso districts of Bari region in Puntland. in Somalia Economics, whereas has been facing many problems including the serious challenges of widespread Illegal fishing for Somalia costal area, Piracy, the poor skill of Somali fishers and these are extensive factors which have main challenge caused of low growth of Puntland fishing sector. The general aim of this research is to evaluate and measure the factors influence on growth of fishing processing firm from Puntland urban areas. The research also was measure the impact between research variables and growth of fishing processing firms on general of Puntland State. In Methodology chapter, focuses on the manner in which the research problem was investigating by referring to the sampling method, selection of respondents, data gathering instrument(s) (e.g. questionnaire) and the statistical techniques that was utilizing. The findings of the study have been divided into three based variables, which was the factors influencing Growth on fish processing firms in Bosaso district Puntland of Somalia. For the purpose of the study, a review of the literature indicates that using the factors influencing growth on fish processing firms could be an effective indicator for understanding the magnitude of the problem and the possible areas for investigation to understand what the factors are influencing growth of the fish firms in Bosaso. The conclusions coming out from the findings of the research that sought to find out the factors influencing on growth of fish processing firms in Bosaso were summarized below based on the purpose of the study. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing on growth of fish processing firms in Bosaso Puntland Somalia. These factors including the influence of Capital availability, and regarding on this, it has already been demonstrated in this study the most important challenge is the poor state of the investment in Puntland specifically and in Somalia in general. The second factor of study was technical skill availability and according to the study analyses, the main systemic challenge here is one of skills, knowledge and attitudes of the fisheries business community. There is a general lack of awareness of the market potential of marine and fisheries products, skills in fishing, handling catch, processing (cottage and industrial), business planning and marketing. Last variable of this study is Culture practices and as found the study, culture is one of the factors influence growth of fish firms, because, although fish is plentiful in the waters off the Somali coast, Somalis generally do not like to eat fish because of culture. In base of the findings of this study the researcher was recommending that, the Puntland Government to support construction of Cold rooms and fish processing centres. Also, recommended the Small firms can make together one corporation which can enable to cover financial capacity required business fish companies. To enhancing the skill of the staff working with the fish firms, recommend to make staff capacity building as to upgrade their technical skills and knowledge and also, providing training to improving fish handling, Marketing and processing to stakeholder of fish market. Taking awareness and mobilization on adverse impact of fish consumption benefits and how can contribute the economic developments.