Sustainable fisheries management project (SFMP) : value chain improvements in small-scale fisheries : case studies from West Africa

Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to the global production and supply of seafood.Yet,manysmall-scale fisheries in developing countriesfail to maximize value ofseafood products due topost-harvest loss, production, distribution,and marketingchallenges.The purpose of this study is to examinehow post-harvest innovationsmight address some of these challenges, whom they benefit along thefisheriesvaluechain, and factors that influence adoption of innovations through two case studiesinWest Africa.A multi-methods approach was used tocollect extensive quantitative andqualitative data from two countries, The Gambia and Ghana,during the periodbetween 2015-2018. Data were collected in the field using paper and electronic surveyinstruments. These data were analyzed statistically andsupported with key informantinterviews, focus groups, and direct and participant observation.The results of this study showthatinthe Gambian sole fisheryasimpleinnovation, icing at sea,improved quality andreducedloss, thusincreasingrevenuefrom export-oriented sole for fishers and buyers. Results also suggest that increasingthe proportion of sole for export does not impact local trade and consumption of sole.In Ghana, a slightly more complex innovation was introduced to improve quality ofsmoked fish and reduceconsumption offuelwoodusedto smoke fish.Results indicatethat innovative technology reduces fuelwood consumption, improves quality andpoints to increased profitability for processors.This study also measured factorsthatinfluence adoption of innovative technology.Factors that influence adoption are distinct technological features such asless consumption of fuelwood, hence, cost offuelwood, reduction of smoke,and hands-on training, plus the ability to pay forinnovative technology. This study highlights the importance of simplicity in designingand implementing innovations within the post-harvest sector in small-scale fisheries indeveloping countries. These findingssuggest post-harvest innovationscan havepositivesocio-economic impactsfor some nodes along the fisheries value chain,however, the cost of the innovation may exceed the benefit forother nodesalongthechainin the case studies presented here.