Newcastle University

Sierra Leone

Njala University decided to focus on fish processing. They are looking into two sections of the supply chain, i.e. fishermen and fishmongers. The latter’s role is on preserving fish via smoking and/or salting. They interviewed a few key stakeholders in the fishing communities of Goderich and Tombo about fishing to obtain collate preliminary views and experiences with regards fish processing and fuel wood energy supply for the smoking and preservation of fish. This was conducted prior to the stakeholders’ workshop which was held on the 29th of October, 2013. From the interviews and workshop, they found that smoking of fish uses plum wood and mangrove wood for their high energy content.

For Njala’s report of the outcome of the meeting and interview, click here. The description below briefly summarises the outcome of the report:

• The fuel quality and quantity of fuel necessary is a function of:
  • The nature of fire wood;
  • Seasonal variation (rainy & dry season);
  • The condition of the fish (weak or fresh);
  • Fish species to be process;
  • Distance covered by the fisher men.

• A few factors have been identified by Njala University with regards to post-harvest fish loss. These include:
  • Distance of fishing: When distance covered during fishing trips is long, fish stocks most times goes bad before arrival on shore;
  • The presence of fish remains from previous catch can contaminate new stocks;
  • Scarcity of firewood;
  • Delay in fish price negotiation between fishermen and fish mongers causes more rot.
  • Poor cold storage facilities;
  • Poor transport facilities resulting in physical damage of fish.

Photos of stakeholders meeting

Last modified: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:21:56 BST