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| Small edible fish (Dagaa ) |
In the bustling fish markets of Mwanza, where the scent of fresh catch mingles with the lively chatter of vendors, one name has become synonymous with innovation and resilience: Grace Joseph a graduate at the University of Dodoma . What began as a small basket of dagaa (silver cyprinid) sold by the shores of Lake Victoria has blossomed into a thriving enterprise that is not only putting nutritious food on tables but also inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs in Tanzania’s lake region.
Grace, 34, started selling dagaa—a small, nutrient-rich fish abundant in Lake Victoria—in 2022 after losing her job at a local hotel during the economic downturn.
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| Grace Joseph while in emotional stress after losing her job in 2022. |
Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she attended a local agribusiness workshop. There, she learned about solar drying technology and hygienic packaging. With a small loan from a women’s cooperative, Grace invested in a solar dryer, which preserved the fish better and reduced spoilage. She also started packaging the dagaa in airtight, labeled bags—adding value and appeal. “Now, my dagaa stays fresh for months, and customers even buy it as gifts,” she says with a smile.
Her products are celebrated for their quality and affordability, offering a vital source of nutrition in a region where child stunting remains a concern. Last year, she exported her first batch to Kenya, tapping into the East African market.
Grace’s success has sparked a mini-revolution. She mentors other women in fish processing and has partnered with local fisheries to promote sustainable harvesting. “We only take what we need from the lake,” she emphasizes. “This is our heritage; we must protect it.” Her model has caught the attention of the " Tanzanian Youth " which is now exploring ways to replicate her approach in other fishing communities.
“The lake has given us life for generations. I’m just showing that even the smallest fish can make the biggest waves. When women succeed, our whole community rises.” Grace says
By 2027, Grace plans to launch a line of dagaa-based products—including fish powder for infant complementary food and seasoned snacks. She dreams of building a training center in Mwanza to teach sustainable fishing and entrepreneurship. “This is just the beginning,” she said .
In a world often focused on large-scale solutions, Grace Joseph's story is a powerful reminder that local ingenuity, coupled with respect for tradition and nature, can drive profound change. As the sun sets over Lake Victoria, her dagaa—once overlooked—now shine as beacons of hope, health, and economic empowerment.