APPENDIX/ANNEXE C

SELECTED PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE SEVENTH FAO EXPERT CONSULTATION ON FISH TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA
DOCUMENTS SÉLECTIONNÉS PRÉSENTÉS À LA SEPTIÈME CONSULTATION D'EXPERTS SUR LA TECHNOLOGIE DU POISSON EN AFRIQUE

Study to explore opportunities for fresh fish marketing from Yeji

by

John Scott Apawudza
Integrated Development of Artisanal Fisheries (IDAF)
Yeji, Ghana

1. INTRODUCTION

Freshwater fish apart from its use as cheap protein source by an average Ghanaian family is highly patronised in its cooked, roasted and grilled forms in restaurants and "chop bars". Recent statistical reports by the IDAF Project on the production of processed fish in Stratum VII (see map), whose major marketing centre is Yeji, show that Tilapia species constitutes 30% of the total volume of landed fish catch. Given the scarcity of fuel wood resulting from the excessive exploitation of the forest resources and the continually increasing cost of salt (used for salting and drying) it is expected that the promotion of fresh fish trade will be welcomed and will significantly contribute to improve the standard of living of the fisher folk and create job avenues for the youth in the Yeji area. In view of these prospects, the Processing Unit of IDAF Project was tasked to explore the possibilities of introducing the trade between Yeji and other urban towns. On trial basis, the Unit on several occasions took fresh Tilapia from Makango (a major fish supply centre) to Accra, Tema and Kumasi to assess the viability of these markets.

The objectives of the study were the following:

• locate major harvesting sites whose catch are used to feed the Yeji fish market;

• assess the supply of fresh fish and determine appropriate fish sizes of economic value;

• identify existing and potential markets in urban towns;

• find suitable and affordable packaging materials and techniques for carrying fresh fish for storage and sales;

• determine guidelines and basis on which the trade could be modelled.

The study was focused on Tilapia because of its higher demand in relation to the others. However other species were occasionally marketed to observe the response of consumers.

Table 1. Quality characteristics of fresh and spoilt Tilapia

2. STUDY METHODOLOGY

Preservation of fresh fish

To promote the sale of high quality fish from Yeji, the Project installed an ice plant of 200 kg/day capacity for the production of flake ice. Storage trials were undertaken to determine the changes in the quality of the fish with time using the characteristics as in Table 1. Fish was chilled in ice and the duration at which all ice was melted was recorded.

Packaging of fish

Flaked ice in plastic containers was deposited at various landing sites. Immediately after the fish was purchased they were packed into these containers in layers separated by layers of ice in the proportion of 1:1 by weight. During the initial stages of the study, the Unit used imported plastic containers. In spite of the quality and lightness of these insulated containers, they turned out to be very expensive since they have to be imported. The Unit therefore designed, constructed and tested wooden storage and transport insulated containers, which it found relatively cheaper and equally effective

Selection of harvesting sites

A preliminary survey was conducted in a number of fishing villages. During this survey, questionnaire was administered to fishermen (see Appendix 1). The primary objective was to locate and assess harvesting sites of high Tilapia catch and also identify the most effective fishing gear used.

Marketing centres

Questionnaires was administered to a number of catering homes and "chop bars" in Accra, Tema and Kumasi to identify suitable markets for Tilapia (see Appendix 2). Fish of 500 g (>20cm total length) and above were used as samples.

Business organization

Makango, a fishing village on the eastern bank of the lake, was identified as a readily assessable and reliable source of Tilapia and was therefore used as the pilot buying centre during the study. Fish catch from adjacent villages are transported to this village for sale. The unit staff spent 2-3 days to purchase and package the fish. The unit used its own official motorised boat during the purchasing rounds. Government pick-up and private trucks (7 tonnes) were used in transporting the fish to sales points.

Pricing of fish

Purchases were by weight. A quarter pan of fish weighing between 11 and 12 kg was priced at C.18 000 (C.1 500 - C.1 700 per kg).

Sales trials in targeted markets

Several trial trips were made to Accra, Tema and Kumasi. A kilogram of fish irrespective of the size was sold for C.3 000.

Fig. 1 Double-chamber wooden insulated storage container

Fig. 2 Wooden insulated transport box

Training of local carpenters in construction and use of insulated containers

The head of the Fish Processing Unit having received training in the design, construction and use of insulated containers for artisanal fishing canoes in turn trained four (4) local carpenters in constructing wooden insulated storage and transport containers. Tests done on the containers produced by the trainee carpenters were found to be efficient and affordable for packaging of fish. One storage and two transport containers were constructed. The insulation capacity of the transport containers was determined by filling them with weighted flake ice under ambient temp of 28°C and the unthawed flakes weighed after every 6 hours for 48 hours. Photographs of the iceboxes are shown on Figures 1 and 2.

Stakeholders'workshop

A one-day workshop was organised for 23 entrepreneurs who had expressed interest in the fresh fish trade after invitation letters were circulated. They were introduced to the wooden containers and sensitised on the packaging of fish with ice. Participants were assured of continuous assistance from the IDAF Project in terms of technical assistance, provision of flake ice free of charge until the end of December, 1997. They were however entreated to abide by the rules and regulations that will put in place by the Project to ensure that only high quality fish gets to the consumer. The workshop had increased the awareness of the private sector operators about the economic viability of the fresh fish trade.

3. RESULTS

Table 2. Trend of fresh fish trials

Fresh fish surveys

Results obtained from the survey are presented in Tables 1- 5. Table 2 shows the trend of fresh Tilapia sales in Kumasi. Returns recorded after these sales indicate that the purchased price is almost always doubled during every transaction. Patronage for fresh Tilapia was very high in restaurants and chop bars in the cities (Table 3). During the sale trials no substantial fish deterioration was recorded. This shows the effectiveness of the flake ice and the insulated containers. In fact, fresh fish chilled in ice in wooden insulated containers maintained its freshness within a period of 72 hours and over.

Interviews conducted with market women revealed that Tilapia delivered into the markets from Afram Plains and Barikese dam were either not chilled or poorly chilled because of lack of ice and good insulated containers. They are therefore invariably supplied in very poor state. The survey also showed that the minimum quantity of fresh Tilapia that gave appreciable returns on investment was 50 kg. The demand for larger size fish (20-30 cm and above) was higher and therefore brought good returns to the seller than the smaller size ones.

In villages where cast nets and traps are the main gear used by the fishermen, Tilapia was harvested throughout the year. The following villages were located to be very good harvesting sites for Tilapia: Hutideke, Dzatakpo, Sokpoekope, Abelekope, Soldierkope and Israelkope, which are all accessible by boat.

Although previous arrangements were made to buy fish directly from the fishermen, it was observed that there exists a strong link between the fishermen and the women fish traders.

Each fisherman has a woman customer to whom the landed catch is first sold before anyone can buy it. Incidentally, these women at the purchasing sites prefer selling the fish in singles than in pans or by weight. A sizeable fish of 27 cm and above was priced at C.2 000.^[1]

Insulated boxes and economics of ice use

Trials on the insulation capacity of the containers showed that only one part in ten of the flake ice melted when they were filled and kept at ambient temperatures of 28ºC for 2 days. After several trial runs with these containers only slight pilling off of the paint on them was detected. This establishes their robustness and durability. The storage container was capable of holding 100 kg of fish in each chamber whilst the transport boxes could carry 50 pieces of large size (30 cm) Tilapia on a single trip. The dimensions of these boxes are presented in Table 3 and the estimates for their construction are shown in tables 4 and 5.

Table 3: Weekly purchases (in Cedis) by restaurant/chop bars in Kumasi (1997) (x 1000)

A transport container of 50 kg of iced fish required a maximum of 100kg of ice for packaging from a landing site to a selling point. Taking all expenses involved in running the ice plant, a kilo of the flake ice was priced at C.120 This amounted to C.12 000 per package. The study had shows that the market can absorb this extra cost of ice with little impact on the profit margin

Table 4. Dimensions of containers

4. DISCUSSION

It became evidently clear from the study that villages where cast nets and traps were used, Tilapia production is very high. Other villages the study located alongside Makango as major Tilapia production sites were Hutideke, Dzatakpo, Sokpoekope, Abelekope, Soldierkope and Israelkope.

Results so far obtained from the study indicated that there is ready market for fresh Tilapia in Accra, Tema and Kumasi. Potential markets are envisaged in nearby towns such as Tamale, Atebubu, Sunyani and Obuasi. Better profit is made if entrepreneurs link up with restaurants and "chop bars" in these localities. Returns are more favourable if the quantity of fish per trip exceeds 50 kg and also sold for a minimum price of C.4 000/kg (1997 estimate) which is not impossible.

The study also shows that Tilapia can be obtained all year round in fishing villages where cast nets and traps are the main gear used by the fishermen. Wooden insulated storage and transport containers constructed by the Unit were tried and are shown to be capable of preserving fresh fish chilled in ice, for at least 48 hours without any appreciable deterioration in quality of the fish. It cost the Unit C.797 992 and C.163 536 to construct the storage and transport containers respectively.

The project has initiated moves to improve upon the insulated boxes to meet sanitary and technical specifications. For the start the inside of the boxes is sealed with aluminium foil to prevent direct contact of ice and fish with the wood. Tilapia ranging above 20 cm in length is preferred especially by restaurants, which grill and roast the fish.

Table 5. Cost estimates for storage container (C.)

Table 6. Cost estimates for transport container (C.)

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My thanks go to Dr L.I. Braimah and Mr N.N. Peng-yir, my colleague professional staff on the IDAF project, Yeji for their kind support and encouragement during the study period. I would also like to thank Mr. Kofi Essuman, a processing consultant who designed and supervised the study. My sincere gratitude also goes to the junior staff of IDAF project and the students of Yeji Fisheries Vocational School who helped me in the purchasing and transportation of the fresh fish from the fishing villages to the marketing centers.

6. UPDATE (November 2001)

Road linking Yeji and Kumasi

At the time of the study about half the 223 km road linking Yeji and Kumasi was in a deplorable state. The road is now rehabilitated reducing the constraints associated with the transport of fresh fish to Kumasi. The distance, which was formally covered in 6 or more hours, can now be done within 3 hours on the average. With this new development high quality fish gets to the targeted markets.

Source of ice

During the study period only IDAF facilities and a few other places had access to electricity through generators. Now the town is supplied with hydroelectric power from Akosombo. Most of the entrepreneurs thus have their own freezers for the production of block ice for chilling fish.

Present situation of the resource

The Fisheries Department of Ghana has instituted a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit (MCS) whose duty is to enforce the Fisheries Laws and ensure that fishermen are discouraged from the employment of illegal fishing methods and the use of prohibited gears which are the main causes of over fishing associated with the Lake Volta resources. Community Based Fisheries Management Committees made up of fishermen themselves are also formed along the entire Volta Lake to supplement the work of the MCS Unit. The goal of the Department is to ensure the sustainability of the resource, which obviously will increase the life span of the fresh fish trade.

Patronage

Since the introduction of that trade the number of entrepreneurs has more than doubled. People come from all over the country even as far as from Takoradi a marine port city to buy fresh Tilapia from Yeji for commercial purposes. More harvesting sites have been located by the entrepreneurs who are accessible by road. An entrepreneur who is stationed at Yeji has a motor bike which he uses to shuttle between the purchasing sites and a Taxi cab which transports the fish to Kumasi and other newly identified markets such as Obuasi (a mining town in the Ashanti Region) and Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region. Some of them deposit their ice chests with ice with the fishermen at Makango in the evenings. The fisherman packages the catch the following morning and posts it by the lake to the customer at Yeji who receives it by midday. Others deposit their storage containers with the fishermen in the villages, which are only accessible by boat and go back after 3 days with new consignment of ice to package the fish for transportation to the target markets.

Packaging

Some of the entrepreneurs have adopted the wooden containers introduced by IDAF Processing Unit and others use polystyrene boxes manufactured by a company in Accra. These polystyrene boxes though cheaper are not durable and so can be used for a considerable period of time only if one has his own transport vehicle where proper care may be guaranteed. Some however still use the local baskets lined with jute sacks. Their reason is that the transport owners get biased when you use the bulky containers and so double the transportation fares. Meanwhile, according to them, the fish remains chilled for at least a distance of six hours when most of them would have reached their destinations anyway.

Pricing

A quarter pan is now been purchased in most of the villages at C.75 000^[2] irrespective of the size of the fish. Where the fish is sold in singles sizes from 27 cm and above which are within 1 kg range cost between C.5 000 and C.7 000. Average sized fishes (from 20 cm and above) are sold at 3 for C.5 000. Entrepreneurs who take their fish to the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions sell a kilo fish at C.9 000 and C.10 000 while in Accra, Tema and other long distance markets the same quantity is sold between C.14 000 and C.15 000. All the entrepreneurs the writer interviewed have talked of good returns on their sales.

Fig. 3 Specifications for the design of storage containers

Legend

Fig. 4 Specifications for the design of transport containers

Appendix 1: Supplementary catch survey questionnaire

Enumerator:....................... Locality:.............................................................................
Name of Respondent:...................... Date:.....................................................................
1. What are the main fishing methods you employ in the catch of Tilapia:...................
2. Which is the most popular and why:.........................................................................
3. How long have you been fishing in this locality:......................................................
4. Do you have a regular customer YES/NO:................................................................
5. If YES what is the social relation between you and the customer:............................
6. Why do you prefer this customer to the others:.........................................................
7. Are you under any obligation to sell your fish to your customer YES/NO:..............
8. If YES state reasons:..................................................................................................
9. Do you know what your customers do with the fish YES/NO:.................................
10. If YES state it:.........................................................................................................
11. Would you like to sell your fresh fish directly to other buyers:..............................
12. State reasons for your answer:.................................................................................
13. What is your average catch per day:........................................................................
14. Is this catch uniform YES/NO:................................................................................
15. If NO how does it vary:...........................................................................................
16. What is the cause in the change in catch:................................................................
17. Which size of fish dominates your catch:................................................................
18. Do you get large sized Tilapia in your catch this period YES/NO:.........................
19. If YES what percentage does it form:......................................................................
20. Which period of the year does large Tilapia dominate your catch:.........................
21. What is the price of 'Quarter' pan of Tilapia:
Small:.......................................................................................................................
Medium:...................................................................................................................
Large:.......................................................................................................................
22. Who determines this price:......................................................................................

Appendix 2: Supplementary socio economic survey questionnaire

Enumerator:............................... Locality:..................................................................................
Name of respondent:.................... Date:.....................................................................................
1. How long have you set up this spot:.......................................................................................
2. When did you add Tilapia to the business:.............................................................................
3. From where do you normally get your supply:.......................................................................
4. Do you have a customer who supplies you with the Tilapia YES/NO:..................................
5. Do you travel out to buy it yourself:.......................................................................................
6. If YES do you go with your own vehicle YES/NO:...............................................................
7. If YES what type of vehicle is it:............................................................................................
8. Do you carry ice along YES/NO:...........................................................................................
9. Where do you obtain your ice:..............................................................................................
10. Is this source of ice regular:................................................................................................
11. Is the ice flakes or blocks:....................................................................................................
12. If blocks how much is a block sold:.....................................................................................
13. How many blocks of ice do you use at a time:.....................................................................
14. Do you have any problems with your Tilapia Supply YES/NO:.........................................
15. If YES what are they:...........................................................................................................
16. What size dominates your supply:........................................................................................
17. What is the size most preferred by customers:.....................................................................
18. Is your product well patronized YES/NO:..........................................................................
19. How much is a sizable fish sold to customers:.....................................................................
20. Do customers comment on the taste of your fish YES/NO:.................................................
21. If YES what are some of their comments:............................................................................
22. Will you be prepared to buy from a new source if introduced to you YES/NO:..................
23. Do you deal in other fish species apart from Tilapia YES/NO:............................................
24. If YES state them:.................................................................................................................

Adoption and performance of Senegalese ice pirogues in Lake Victoria

by

John Makene
Nyegezi Freshwater Fisheries Institute
Mwanza, Tanzania

1. INTRODUCTION

A recommendation of the fifth FAO expert consultation on Fish Technology in Ghana 1991, made possible the transfer of the fish preservation technique involving the use of "Ice Pirogues" to Lake Victoria fishery. The ice containers were introduced in 1993 under FAO Technical Co-operation among developing countries. The methodology for the transfer of the technology was reported in the sixth FAO expert consultations on fish technology in Kisumu, Kenya 1996.

At the time of introducing the tailor made ice containers in Mwanza, Tanzania, only two of the participants of the training programme were professional carpenters. To date there are more than 50 carpenters in Mwanza region engaged in the construction and repair of these containers, now popularly known as "Kontena".

Practically all the Nile perch collection boats in Tanzania are now using the "Kontena". The capacity of the containers range from one to eight tons. They are made of two layers of softwood separated by an insulation material. The boats operate from the urban centres to all landing areas. Of late, the government of Tanzania introduced a restriction that the transfer of fish from fishermen boats to fish collection boats be carried off shore, a distance of 5-10 meters away from the beach. Along with this, the government introduced floating barges to serve as fish landing transfer jetties.

The Lake Victoria Nile perch trade contributes significantly to the economy of the region. The value of total landings is estimated to be between US $ 300-400 million (LVEMP, 1998). The livelihood and wellbeing of about 2 million people depend on the fishery.

In consideration of the increased economic importance of the fishery, it is hoped that this study will contribute further in the efforts being made to maintain the existing markets for the Nile perch. The report summarises the study of the performance of Nile perch collection boats.

2. METHODOLOGY

Field observation

Field visits of a number of fish collection boats were conducted

• To observe container design, construction and size in relation to fish collection performance of the boat

• To observe problems due to faulty techniques

• To provide advice on proper fish handling and icing techniques

• To conduct informal interviews of fishermen and fish collectors

The observations were recorded and analysed.

Workshop/training

The in-puts of participants of the workshops and training during the year 1998/99 have been used as part of the material for this report. During the year, various training seminars/workshops were conducted targeted at the following groups; local boat builders, carpenters, fishermen, youth, women, fish processing workers, fish collectors, plant managers and fisheries extension staff. The topics of the training programmes included:

• Construction and use of fish collection boats

• Construction and use of insulated containers

• A module for fishermen

• A module on Youth and women in Fisheries

• Fish handling and quality control

• Good management practices

• HACCP - concept

The holding of the training programmes was made possible by the Fisheries Division, Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme (LVEMP), Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) and the Fish Processing Plant Association while the Nyegezi Freshwater Fisheries Institute (NFFI) acted as facilitator.

Data analysis

Data on the fish collection boats for the period 1998 - 1999 was obtained from fish processing plant in Mwanza. The following information were collected: boat name, size of boat, size of container used, number of containers on board, date of fish received, weight of fish received and weight of the fish rejected.

The data was processed by grouping and re-calculation as shown in section 3.3.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Design of fish container on-board

Local boat builders have standard sizes for fishing boats however, the design and size of the fish collection boats are determined by owners. During the training programme, the carpenters and the local boat builders, reported the preferences of their customers for the building bigger boats for collecting larger quantities of fish so as to increase their income.

The capacity of the fish collection boats varies from one to sixteen tons. Boats intended to carry larger size containers have a wider mid-breath and deeper draft. Smaller boats are technically better for using insulated fish containers

The design of insulated fish containers on board the collection boats is mostly carpenters responsibility. The design is made after taking measurements of the appropriate area for fitting the "Kontena". A number of carpenters at the workshop reported the practice of certain customers dictating the size and shape of the container.

Local boat builders and carpenters called for government's intervention and the setting of appropriate quality standards for the production of insulated fish containers on board the collection boats.

Construction of insulated box

Under the LVEMP (1998) programme, it was demonstrated that carpenters who constructed the insulated fish containers on board the collection boats lacked technical know-how and "know-why" of these containers. The facilities performed poorly and contributed significantly to post harvest fish losses. For the project it was necessary to show carpenters how their work affected the fish industry. A problem-solving workshop was organised to highlight the problems.

The workshop focus was on the following faults observed during field visits;

• Wrong size of container for proper fish handling

• Inappropriate insulation materials

• Use of air as insulation

• Very thin- layered insulation materials

• Joined inner and outer lining made of galvanised iron sheets

• Absence of drainage holes at the bottom

• Wrong door size

• Improper inner lining materials

• Unsealed inner lining edges

• Unpainted outer soft wood

• Unprotected outer edge

• Top shape design retaining water splashes

• Use of soft wooden box etc.

"Kontena" usage

The landing operations of Nile perch intended for use by fish processing plants have changed since the mid 1990. The Salmonella and Cholera crises and the EU ban have made significant contributions to the improvement in landing the fish catches. Advice given to fisher folks are now easily followed. The government on the other hand, has introduced regulations to prevent the contamination of fish during landing and transportation to fish processing plants. The contamination of the fish catch is foregone story. The problem that remains is the spoilage of fish during storage and transportation to fish processing plants. Fish spoilage results from several factors;

• The use of very large insulated container is one of the prime causes of fish spoilage.

  The summary in Fig 1 of the monthly average landings in 1999 of four fish collection boats each using two containers of around eight tons capacity indicates a higher percentage of rejected fish.

  In Table 1, the performances of 10 fish collection boats are compared. The boats were selected randomly among 25 similar sized boats supplying fish to the same processing plant. The higher percentage of rejects on the bigger size containers could be due to longer collection periods resulting in the spoilage of fish collected earlier. Apart from this, it could also be due to the higher frequency of opening a large container for storage to the fill up, which accelerates the rate of melting of the ice, thus reducing the available ice. On these larger containers the fish in the bottom layer of fish are also more adversely affected by the greater pressure exerted on it by the heavier top layer of fish associated with these larger containers.

Table I: Comparison of the landings of 10 fish collection boats (1998)

• Inadequate icing is also one of the prime factors accelerating fish spoilage. The data for boat No.6 on Table 1 indicates average landing of 4 737 kg. This quantity is relatively too high for the capacity associated with the container to enable it be left with much room for ice.

  Table 2 shows clearly the results of inadequate icing. The lower the quantity of ice used, the higher the reject values. The amount of ice used can be calculated by considering the space available for ice, the weight of fish landed and comparing these with the container capacity. For most of the third categories landings on table 2, especially container size 1.5-2 tons and 2.5 to 4 tons, the ice applied was of the order of one third of fish weight.

Table 2. Percentage rejects from 42 fish collection boats of various sizes using two containers

• Inconsistencies in table 2, showing higher percentage of rejected fish than anticipated, can be due to poor container design, the container failing to keep ice for longer periods. The lower quantity of available ice can also be caused by overstaying at fish collection area due to mechanical breakdowns or poor catches.

• Delays in icing the fish after purchase means icing deteriorated fish. The practice of leaving the catch lying around until the days purchase is done has changed. But few collectors especially those using big containers would delay icing until they have a reasonable amount on the deck.

• Use of multiple containers on a boat improves the keeping time.

In Figure 2 there is a comparison of 4 fish collection boats of similar capacity of 6 tons: 2 boats using 3 containers, and the other 2 boats using 2 containers. Use of several containers would ease icing procedure, reduce the frequency of exposing the contents of the container by opening, reduce ice melting and facilitate handling.

4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

(i) Government should introduce standards for fish collection boat and insulated fish containers. Long narrow boat with appropriate draft to enable the fish collector ice fish while standing on the bottom planks or floor boards. Standards for insulated fish container must include recommended lining and insulation materials. The concept of using several insulated container on one boat should be included. Carpenters/fish collector workshop suggested fish collection boat of 6-8 tons capacity installed with 3-4 insulated containers.

(ii) Pamphlets in Swahili showing; fish collection boats designs, insulated fish containers, icing techniques and distributed to relevant people along the lake will impart the required knowledge.

(iii) NFFI. Should continue to impart knowledge to local boat builders, carpenters, fish collectors and fishermen around the whole lake.

(iv) Introduction of small icing containers to be used by local fisherman and encourage twice hauling of nets or long lines during the night fishing.

(v) Ice production at major landing areas is vital. Use of solar power combined with wind power for ice production need to be investigated.