As dawn breaks over Lake Kivu, wooden canoes return to Goma's Kituku port laden with sambaza – the slender silver fish fueling economies across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This humble species, introduced to the lake in the 1950s, now forms the backbone of food security and livelihoods for thousands.
Claude Rwasha, a veteran fisherman turned entrepreneur, oversees 18 motorized boats in an operation supporting nearly 100 workers. "This business built my home, feeds my family, and keeps our community alive," he says, watching traders scramble for the morning catch destined for markets in Goma and neighboring Rwanda.
Priced at $4 per kilogram, sambaza remains one of the region's most accessible protein sources. Yet harvesting it carries risks – from sudden storms on the lake’s volatile waters to the lingering threat of methane gas trapped in its depths.
Despite challenges, the fishery demonstrates remarkable resilience. Rwasha’s $400 daily earnings during peak seasons fund healthcare, education, and community support. "When visitors come," he notes, "no one leaves hungry."
Scientists monitor the lake’s unique ecosystem while local fishers adapt to changing conditions. As cross-border trade continues despite regional tensions, sambaza persists as both economic lifeline and cultural touchstone – proof of nature’s ability to sustain communities against formidable odds.
