Overview
This project aimed to improve food and income security through designing and testing strategies for scaling-up fish solar tent dryers for small fish species, and improving fish smoking kilns for larger fish species
In Malawi, fish consumption contributes about 70% of animal protein and is a good source of essential fatty acids and micronutrients. The contribution of fish to food and nutrition security is, however, being threatened by high post-harvest losses, estimated at 34%.
These losses have negative implications on fish supply and incomes of factors in the fish value chain, particularly women who are involved in fish processing.
Previous ACIAR research indicated that improved fish smoking kilns and solar tent dryers are environmentally friendly, effective and economically viable fish processing technologies. However, scaling efforts have not been successful, partly because of the capital challenges faced by women and youth. Capacity challenges in terms of knowledge and marketing and access to capital among the same groups are also a hindrance.
Project outcomes
- Generating evidence-based strategies for scaling-up fish processing technologies for small-scale fish processors, taking a value chain approach from financing to product marketing.
- Increasing capacity of women, men and youth in fish processing, entrepreneurship, marketing, and business management.
- Increasing adoption of improved fish processing technologies and enhanced economic empowerment of fish processors, a majority of whom are women and youth.
- Increasing availability and consumption of nutritious fish, and empowerment of women and youth across the value chain, including increased decision making and control over income from fish processing.