Post harvest fish losses along small-scale fisheries value chain : a case study of Kwera lake shore, Dokolo district.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Enyenu, Jaspher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
Small-scale fisheries in developing nations are essential for supporting food security, livelihoods, poverty alleviation, and community advancement in rural areas. However, fish spoils rapidly and needs appropriate treatment promptly after being caught. Spoilage after harvest leads to potential financial losses for key individuals in the fishing sector, including fishers, sellers, merchants, processors, and others participating in related support activities. This research evaluates postharvest fish spoilage among small-scale fishing communities on the shores of Lake Kwera in Dokolo District. The study used cross sectional survey where Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. A total of 100 respondent was interviewed from different landing site along the Kwera lakeshore region. Study targeted fisher men, fish traders, transporters and small scale fish processers. The findings from the study revealed enormous postharvest losses experienced along the fish value chain in Kwera. The major kinds of PHFL were rotting (87%), squashing (83%), and moldiness (67%).The major cause of these losses are high ambient temperatures in the boat for many hours without ice with (55%) as experience by fisher folk, poor road infrastructure (94%) and unreliable transportation (89%) experience by transporters, low market prices (83%) experience by fish traders in the market, poor packaging during and after harvesting (76%) and inadequate processing methods (49%) experience by processers. The study also found that quality losses (88%) were the most significant, followed by economic (65%) and physical losses (41%), with an overall quantitative loss of 71%. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is recommended by focusing on improving transport logistics, enhancing road infrastructure, increasing market access, providing education and training, investing in cold storage facilities, and advancing fish processing and packaging technologies. These measures aim to reduce PHFL and support the sustainability of small-scale fisheries.
Description
Undergraduate Research Report
Keywords
Citation
Enyenu, J. (2025). Post harvest fish losses along small-scale fisheries value chain : a case study of Kwera lake shore, Dokolo district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.