1. Geography: Ethiopia is landlocked and does not have access to the ocean. As a result, the country lacks the necessary infrastructure and facilities for large-scale commercial fishing operations.
2. Limited water bodies: Ethiopia has limited water bodies suitable for commercial fishing. While the country has several lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, most of these water bodies are relatively small and shallow, making them less conducive to large-scale commercial fishing.
3. Lack of investment: Ethiopia's fishing industry is underdeveloped and has historically received limited investment. This has hindered the development of infrastructure, technology, and expertise necessary for commercial fishing.
4. Subsistence fishing: Most fishing in Ethiopia is subsistence-based, with local communities engaging in small-scale fishing for their own consumption. Commercial fishing, which involves catching fish for sale or export, is not as prevalent in Ethiopia due to the limited market and the challenges mentioned above.
5. Environmental challenges: Ethiopia faces several environmental challenges, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution, which have negatively impacted the health and productivity of its water bodies. These challenges have further limited the potential for commercial fishing.