ARDHI UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTON ECONOMICS AND

MANAGEMENT

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

DEPARTMENT: ARCHITECTURE
NAME OF CANDIDATE: RASHID KHALID M
REGISTRATION NUMBER: 22700/T.2018

TITTLE: STRATEGIES TO ENHANCING EFFECTIVE SPACE CONFIGARATION

ON FISH MARKETS IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

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 1.0 INTRODUCTION
Fish markets were known in antiquity. They served as a public space where large numbers of
people could gather and discuss current events and local politics.
Because seafood is quick to spoil, fish markets are historically most often found in seaside towns.
Once ice or other simple cooling methods became available, some were also established in large
inland cities that had good trade routes to the coast.
Since refrigeration and rapid transport became available in the 19th and 20th century, fish
markets can technically be established at any place. However, because modern trade logistics in
general has shifted away from marketplaces and towards retail outlets, such as supermarkets,
most seafood worldwide is now sold to consumers through these venues, like most
other foodstuffs.
Consequently, most major fish markets now mainly deal with wholesale trade, and the existing
major fish retail markets continue to operate as much for traditional reasons as for commercial
ones.

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Aspect of fish market is selling fish, and the major constraint faced by the marketers was the
high marketing cost and price discrimination. Lack of adequate infrastructure facilities like parking
area, waste management, drinking water, freezers, Lack of access facilities, etc.
The overall research problem is that the fish traders tend to relocate and choose their own areas
which are more convenient. There is surprisingly little research on fish markets in both cultural
aspect and spatial configuration aspect. A lot is yet to be configured in terms of functionality,
location, character of the city and overall design of these markets.

1.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study are grouped into two parts i.e., general objectives and specific
objectives.
General objectives
Thee aim of this study is to analyze the special configuration and effective used of spaces in fish
markets as designed.
Specific objectives
i. To analyze the spatial configuration of fish market spaces
ii. To analyze the infrastructural facilities to be provided in fish markets
iii. To come up with recommendations that will effectively come up with guidelines for the
designing of more functionable fish market
Research Questions
i. How does the design of these fish markets affect the social space?
ii. How compatible are these fish markets in relation to other markets?
iii. Where should the fish markets be located

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 1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY/RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
This research would therefore serve as a guide to provide insightful knowledge on how fish
markets can be designed and redesigned to aid infrastructural facilities and economic activities
with reference to the concepts derived from existing situation analysis.
This research is expected to generate more insightful knowledge on the architecture of
redevelopment of fish markets within Tanzania. Also, the research findings will enlighten the
government, local authorities and the local people of the gaps existing in the way that fish markets
are being redeveloped.
These findings will help in drafting appropriate policies and the respective council’s will be in
position to fully exploit the new fish market developments. In addition to the above, the study will
also provide future scholars and researchers within formation regarding the significance of
considering the effects of customer’s behavior on the architectural design of fish markets.

1.4 RESEARCH VARIABLES

i. Location and spatial organization
ii. Customer’s behaviors
iii. Form
iv. Story levels.
v. Trader’s behaviors
vi. Government regulations

2.0 LITTERATURE REVIEW

Definition of a fish market
According to MHRA, the etymology of the word ‘market’ comes from a Latin word ‘Mercatus’ which
means a meeting place for buying and selling of goods that are publicly exposed such as fresh
agricultural produce and livestock.
A fish market is a marketplace for selling fish and fish products. It can be dedicated to:
Wholesale fish markets trade between fishermen and fish merchants, or to the sale of seafood
to individual consumers, or to both.
Retail fish markets, a type of wet market, often sell street food as well. Fish markets range in
size from small fish stalls to large ones such as the great.
The global fish market is segmented into environment, fish type, and region. The environment
segment includes marine water, fresh water, and brackish water.

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Key considerations include:
i. Traffic control and Vehicle parking
ii. Type of commodities (fish) sold
iii. Exposed fish Protection
iv. Washing facilities
v. Waste disposal management
vi. Effective Spatial Configuration

To make fish available to consumers at the right time and in the right place requires an effective
marketing system. Fishermen who catch fish by labouring overnight (from common-property
water bodies) do not usually sell fish in retail markets. At the break of day, they take their
catches to places where retailers meet them and bargain by the lot. At the landing point, the
number of intermediaries is low. Only one or two intermediaries may approach a fisherman.
Once bargaining has started, other intermediaries remain at a distance and wait for their turn to
deal, should the first intermediary fail to obtain the fisherman's lot. If the first intermediary is
unsuccessful, another steps in to bargain for the catch. Normally, the first retailer does not allow
this to happen and secures the lot for himself. No open bidding exists in such a case. Therefore,
the poor fisherman often falls prey to the retailer's crude exploitations. A fisherman, as a seller,
cannot negotiate favourable prices for himself mainly because:

• he meets buyers (intermediaries) one at a time and at different times,

• he cannot keep fish for a long time because the product is highly perishable,
• he has no specific place to sit in the market to sell his fish.

Entry into the market is difficult for fishermen for many reasons, mainly because of strong non-
cooperation from the retailers and . Thus, it is obvious why fishing communities remain poor or
are getting poorer over the years, although they trade an important, necessary and every-day
commodity. Markets at the primary catch stage are almost completely non-competitive and
therefore, exploitation is high.

Fish seller category include:

i. Dry fish seller
ii. Preserved fish seller
iii. Live fish seller
iv. Fresh fish seller
• Small fish
• Large fish

Fish-marketing channels

Domestic markets and distribution of fish are dominated by a large number of intermediaries.
Fish distribution usually involves four levels.

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 i. Primary markets

Markets located in villages, district headquarters or at a crossroads are considered primary

markets. They are usually near areas where fish are caught. Fishermen bring a variety of fishes
(dominated by small fish from both open-water capture and from ponds) to the primary markets..

ii. Secondary markets

The Beparies take the fish bought from the Nikaries/fishermen/primary markets/landing points to
the nearest Upazila or riverport markets by road, river or rail to sell to wholesalers or through
Aratdars. From these secondary markets/assembly points the distribution of fish moves through
different channels to urban markets/higher secondary markets by commissioned agents for
wholesalers/Aratdars, or by other kinds of Beparies.

iii. Higher secondary markets

From secondary markets/fish assembly points, Beparies bring fish to the higher secondary
markets serving large areas of consumer/terminal markets. The higher secondary market may
consist of one or more wholesale markets or centres, where Aratdars deal in fish. These
markets are well connected by road, river and rail.

These are major landing and marketing centres for bulk quantities of marine and brackish-water
fish and shrimp species. Markets in district headquarters can be considered as higher
secondary markets that are connected with several secondary markets for the supply of fish.

iv. City or terminal markets

Paikers/retailers buy fish from wholesaling centres of higher secondary and secondary markets.
They sell fish directly to consumers either through fixed stalls or by vending from
head/rickshaws. From the start of the distribution channel for fish - at the secondary markets to
the city or terminal markets - intermediaries operating on different levels perform marketing
functions like cleaning, sorting, boxing, icing, re-packing and arranging of transportation, etc. At
each market level, wholesalers and retailers may be supplying fish to local consumers.

The dominant marketing channels (product route to ultimate consumer) for freshwater fish for
domestic consumption are as follows:

The marketing channel for cultured fish starts with the fish farmer, passes through a number of
intermediaries and ends with the ultimate consumer. Major intermediaries who enter the fish
marketing chain are Nikaries, Beparies, Aratdars and retailers. Fish farmers do not sell fish
directly to consumers in the market.

FEATURES OF FISH MARKETS

i. A fish market should have a goal such as attracting costumers in a given neighborhood
ii. A fish market should provide safe and inviting space for the community
iii. A fish market should be made up of several functional requirements other than selling fish
spaces

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DESIGN CRITERIA FOR FISH MARKET PLACE

i. The fish market halls should be designed as large span structures to allow ease of
movement, natural ventilation, natural roof lighting and service connections.

ii. Response to user requirements (spatial organization), the primary spaces of fish and
vegetable market, rooftop restaurants and cafés, as well as the services facilities all relate
to one another in a clear and readable manner. The hierarchy of the spaces is apparent
from the higher headroom in the fish market hall when compared with the vegetable
market.

GENERAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

i. Functional space usage
The spaces should be used for the intended purpose. The movement of fish through the building
(from the entrance through the cutting stations and the display trays) is well defined and utilized.
ii. Natural Lighting and ventilation
The Fish Market should have a controlled and pleasant level of natural light penetration. This is
cleverly achieved through a combination of passive and active measures. The building is placed
on its site such that the longer dimension runs in an east–west direction, the roof canopy
substantially blocks the western sun, and the perimeter walls in breeze blocks have a controlled
and designed level of penetration to allow natural light to filter through. Minimal artificial lights are
provided to supplement the natural light and to moderate variations.
iii. Response to treatment of water and rainfall
Attempts should be made to harvest, treat or retain rainwater. The little rainwater that the site
receives is discharged into the ground.
iv. Environmental response (adaptation to the natural environment)
The site context, being a partially reclaimed area of land, does not lend itself to integration with
native flora and fauna. The entire new masterplan of the port, together with the Fish Market
building, can create an ecosystem leading to a micro-ecological civilization. The Fish Market on
its own would not be able to have an appreciable impact.

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 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
This part presents the theory of the research and research methods that shall be conducted to
answer the research questions. It enlightens the research method’s that are used in this study. It
analyses the strategies. Design, selection of case study area, unit analysis, data sources and
collection methods.
It is the road map in which the researcher will use to accomplish the study.

RESEARCH DESIGN
“A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in
a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in
procedure (Kothari, 2004).
“A good research design will be prepared if a research problem should be stated clearly.
In other words, the purpose of research design is referring as general procedure that you
choose to combine the various components of the study in a consistent and logical way.
It comprises the outline for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data. A flexible
research design which offers the opportunity for allowing the different aspects of a problem
is considered suitable if the purpose of the research study is to be clear. (Mishra, 2017).

RESEARCH STRATEGIES
Research strategies that are used in handling any research problem are through case studies,
action research, grounded theory, surveys and experiments.
But in this research problem will be handled through case studies and surveying due to that the
study needs an empirical investigation of the case to which the study variables are focused.
An appropriate strategy has to be selected on the basis of the following:

• Research questions.
• Research objectives.
• Amount of the time available.
• Resources at researcher’s disposal.
This study aims to understand strategies to enhancing effective space configuration on fish
markets in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
The study aimed at understanding the experiences of fish sellers and customers in different fish
markets.
The method used to address the research questions in quantitative method.
Quantitative research is based on the aspect of quantity or extent. It is related to object
that can be expressed in terms of quantity or something that can be counted. Such type
of research Involve systematic experimental analysis of observable phenomenon via

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 statistical, mathematical or computational techniques in numerical form whereas
Qualitative research, is concerned with relating to quality or variety. Such type of research
is typically descriptive and harder to analyze than quantitative data. Qualitative research
involves looking in-depth at non-numerical data. (Mishra, 2017)
Case study research
is a type of qualitative research design. It’s often used in the social sciences because it involves
observing subjects, or cases, in their natural setting, with minimal interference from the
researcher.
In the case study method, researchers pose a specific question about an individual or group to
test their theories or hypothesis. This can be done by gathering data from interviews with key
informants.
According to Yin (2003) case study is viable research strategy as far as the following four
conditions match the research environment; the research questions are explanatory, the
research focuses on contemporary events/phenomena, behavioral events within the
research environment occur within a real world context and are outside control of the
researcher and lastly the use of multiple sources of evidence, whereby in line with the four
mentioned conditions which fit with this study as the occurrence of the passive spaces in
the planned urban spaces is a phenomena which is contemporary but also not clearly
seen since its hidden with general characters of the active spaces in the city , therefore
sources can be primary and secondary data, systematic interviewing and direct/participant
14 | P a g e observation on the chosen case so as to be able to answer the research
questions. As it is argued that utilizing case study strategy will benefit the research study,
in achieving the set objectives of the research and answering the research questions
raised, by comparing and contrasting with the alternative strategies available, (Teddlie et
al, 2008), a case study method in this study is complemented with qualitative approach so
as to be able to explain the objectives.
In this research case studies will we done in to areas in Dar es salaam which are Msasani fish
market and kivukoni fish market.
The study will be carried out in Dar es salaam because of the following reasons. The high
marketing cost and price discrimination. Lack of adequate infrastructure facilities like parking area,
waste management, drinking water, freezers etc. are major constrains in market spaces.

DATA COLLECTION METHODS

i. Face to face interviews
Face-to-face interviews are the most common data collection method used in qualitative research.
In face-to-face interviews, researchers collect data directly from subjects through one-on-one
interaction. This type of data collection is personal and highly personalized.
ii. Questionnaires
questionnaires usually consist of short, open-ended questions. There are no predefined answers
offered in these types of questionnaires. Instead, respondents are asked to provide detailed
answers in their own words. This gives respondents much more flexibility and freedom in
expressing their own opinions.

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 iii. Observation
Observation allows researchers to collect qualitative data by observing respondents in their
natural setting. In qualitative observation, researchers participate in the process. They immerse
themselves in the setting along with respondents, all while taking notes.
iv. Case studies
Case studies involve taking a close look at a particular case – an individual, a group of individuals,
or an organization. This type of data collection is very versatile and can be used to analyze simple
and complex subjects. Case studies tend to provide detailed, in-depth information. Researchers
analyzing a case study might use other methods to collect data. They might take advantage of
questionnaires, interviews, or group discussions.

DURATION
Duration entails the classification of the entire research activities which are going to be conducted
from the start to the end in relation to the time which is going to be spent on activity in chronological
order.

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 TIME CHART
ACTIVITIES W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 W11 W12 W13 W14 W15

RESEARCH
PROPOSAL AND
FIRST
PRESENTATION

LITERATURE
REVIEW AND
SUPERVISOR
CONSULTATION

MARKED
PRESENTATION
2, 3 AND 4

DATA
COLLECTION
(INTERVIEW,
SITE VISIT)

DATA ANALYSIS

REVIEW OF
ANALYZED
DATA

DRAFT REPORT
WRITING AND
SUBMISSION

FINAL REPORT
SUBMISSION

. Source: Author

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REFERENCES
1. MBISSO, D. 2011. Petty trading in marketplaces: space generation, use and management
at Temeke Stereo marketplace in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2. Fish market - Wikipedia
3. Emmanuel, Joy G. 2022. The architectural analysis of urban market and their social space
Case study Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
4. Nwokocha Chukwuebuka Gospel 2021. Sustainable Design in Modern Fish Market: A
Case Study of Muttrah Fish Market

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