Overview:

COMRED successfully enhanced women's participation in the blue economy by improving fish processing and value-addition techniques in Kibuyuni, Kenya.   

The Challenge:

Post-harvest losses are a significant issue in the small-scale fisheries of the ocean states. These factors account for more than 40% of the losses in the sector, with women being the most affected because they are heavily involved in the processing and value-addition nodes of the small-scale fish value chain. Women in Kibuyuni, Kenya involved in fish processing faced challenges due to rampant post-harvest losses, rudimentary processing methods, and a lack of proper handling and processing infrastructure.   

The Solution:

The project focused on strengthening the capacity of women dagaa (small pelagic fish) processors by providing training in business and management skills, fish handling and hygiene, and leadership. It also equipped them with key processing equipment and infrastructure, including fish drying racks and the FTT kiln, to improve efficiency and product quality.   

Why this Matters:

This initiative not only reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced the value of fish products but also empowered women by improving their incomes, livelihoods, and participation in the blue economy.   

Main Outputs and Achievements:

The project trained 32 dagaa processors (22 women, 10 men) on life skills, business skills, leadership, and fish handling and hygiene. It also constructed a processing area with sanitary facilities, a water system, drying racks, and an FTT kiln, improving working conditions and reducing post-harvest losses.   

Support the Project:

Potential partners could support COMRED by providing funding for scaling up the project, expanding training programs to other fishing communities, and supporting the development and dissemination of alternative fish processing technologies.

Lessons Learned:

The project highlighted the importance of community engagement, capacity building, and co-designing interventions with the community. It also emphasized the need for frequent information sharing and stakeholder involvement to promote ownership and ensure project success.