Aquatic Foods: WorldFish Reduces Post-Harvest Fishing Losses in Zambia
In Zambia, over one million people are employed in fishing, processing, and fish trading, with women processing 90% of small fish in the country. In the Lake Tanganyika region specifically, fishing is a critical economic solution for people living on the lake’s shores. It also represents an important nutritional source, providing 25-40% of the protein in locals’ diets. But the industry is plagued by post-harvest losses, which can reach up to 70% at some points in the year.
Post-harvest fish loss is one of the significant challenges to small-scale fisheries, especially in Africa, where malnutrition and food insecurity are widespread. WorldFish has implemented the “Aquatic Foods: Post-harvest losses and food waste reduction in Zambia” program in an effort to reduce post-harvest losses, increase food safety and quality, and improve food and nutrition security for rural and urban consumers.
The initiative is focused on improving the supply chain of small pelagic fish, such as kapenta and buka-buka. In Zambia, post-harvest losses are a major cause of low incomes for processors; losing even 10% of one’s harvest can have far-reaching economic consequences.
The Aquatic Foods: Post-harvest losses and food waste reduction in Zambia program focuses on reducing the loss of caught fish and enhancing fish quality and safety by providing fishers with knowledge and skills in post-harvest handling, improved processing, and promoting climate-smart cold chain and storage technologies. Cold rooms currently account for 65% of electrical energy usage in the region. WorldFish’s objective is to pilot and scale a solar-powered cold chain and promote fish handling and processing innovations that increase food safety and quality, and reduce spoilage, waste, and deforestation, improving livelihoods of those in the fisheries sector.
The initiative also teaches processors and fishers about drying fish on raised racks. Along Lake Tanganyika, small pelagic fish are still being dried directly on the ground, which can attract insects and speed up rotting, raising food safety concerns. Additionally, deforestation and forest degradation due to high demand for wood fuel for processing and preservation of fish has escalated. According to WorldFish, their program in Zambia offers a holistic approach to the economic, environmental, and food security issue of post-harvest loss.
The initiative aims to increase availability and access to improved post-harvest technologies, to reduce post-harvest losses, and to increase quantity and safe fish available. Additionally, the economic benefits are tangible, with increased household income and reduction in poverty, improved livelihoods, and increased participation of women and youth in the fish value chain.
Learn more about Aquatic Foods.
Written by Sarah Souli
Photos by Catherine Mwema at WorldFish
