Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality
| dc.contributor.author | Mukisa, Araphat | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-15T13:55:53Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-15T13:55:53Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study assessed fish handling practices and their impacts on fish quality in Iganga fish market, Uganda, with the general objective of evaluating past practices and their effects on fish quality and safety. Specific objectives included identifying fish handling practices employed, evaluating their impact on fish quality and freshness with a focus on spoilage rates and hygiene risks, and assessing vendors' knowledge and awareness of proper handling, storage, and hygiene practices. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected through questionnaires and observations using 100 fish vendors in Iganga fish market. Fish preservation primarily involved salting (46%) or insulated containers with ice (37%). Storage of fresh fish was predominantly under ice (48%) or refrigeration (26%). 84% display fish on tables. 72% practice fish scaling before sales; use of clean tap water (52%) is commonly used. However, 80% reported frequent spoilage, primarily attributed to high temperatures (36%) and inadequate facilities (31%), with bad odor (64%) as the dominant spoilage indicator. Hygiene practices focused on facility cleaning (75%), but only 69% of vendors had received training, mostly from government agencies (56%). Key challenges included limited refrigeration (36%) and lack of training (32%). Respondents (52%) suggested improved hygiene to enhance fish quality, with 89% expressing willingness to participate in training programs. The study recommended targeted training, improved infrastructure, and stricter hygiene regulations to reduce spoilage and ensure consumer safety. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Mukisa, Araphat. (2025).Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/2764 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Busitema University | |
| dc.title | Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality | |
| dc.type | Thesis |