A gendered assessment of post-harvest loss of small-pelagic fish at Kipumbwi in Pangani District -Tanga, Tanzania
A gendered assessment of post-harvest loss of small-pelagic fish at Kipumbwi in Pangani District -Tanga, Tanzania
Small-scale fisheries, particularly small pelagic fish, play a crucial role in food security and gender-based employment in developing countries like Tanzania. However, post-harvest loss reduces the quantity, quality, and value of fish, leading to physical, nutritional, and economic losses. Despite the gender-based division of labor across the value chain, few studies have examined post-harvest loss through a gender lens.
This study assessed the extent of post-harvest loss of small pelagic fish in Kipumbwi, Pangani District, focusing on gender distribution along the value chain. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating stratified sampling to gather responses from different subgroups. The exploratory fish loss assessment method (EFAM) was applied for qualitative data, while the load tracking (LT) and questionnaire loss assessment methods quantified physical and quality losses over time. Sensory assessment methods evaluated fish quality based on skin coluor, smell, texture, and dryness. Content analysis was used for qualitative data, and a two-sample t-test compared losses between value chain nodes and gender. Economic losses were calculated using Mathematical.
Key Findings:
Physical Loss: Over 80% of fishermen and processors experienced physical loss, with variations between men and women. The average loss per boat/fisher was 15.34 tons (4.5% of the total catch per boat). For processors, average losses in sun-drying and frying were: Men: 2.28 to 2.43 tons (5.8%–6%) and Women: 1.1 to 0.54 tons (5.6%–8.1%). Main causes: weather conditions, theft, and prolonged fishing.
Quality Loss: Over 95% of fishers and processors reported quality deterioration. Average poor-quality loss per boat/year: 237.4 to 46.32 tons (14%–20% of the total catch). For sun drying, quality losses were: Men: 1.76 to 0.35 tons (4.6%–3.9%) and Women: 1.53 to 2.1 tons (1%–5%). For frying, losses ranged from 0 to 4 metric tons (0%–4%). Main causes: poor handling, spoilage, weather conditions, and prolonged fishing/processing. Socio-Cultural Factors: Limited access to loans, markets, and storage, as well as traditional beliefs, norms, and gender roles, influenced fish loss. Women were more affected due to family responsibilities and societal expectations.
- Economic Loss:
Fishing node: TZS 88.83 million (USD 34,165.4) per boat/year, with a total loss of TZS 36.424 billion (USD 14.01 million) per year. Sun-drying processors: Men: TZS 0.54 million (USD 207.7) and Women: TZS 0.56 million (USD 215.4). The total loss: TZS 19.705 billion (USD 7.579 million). Frying processors: Men: TZS 7.7 million (USD 2,961.54) and Women: TZS 3.7 million (USD 1,423.08). The total loss: TZS 666.1 million (USD 256,192.31).
Conclusion:
Post-harvest loss in small pelagic fisheries significantly affects food security, reduces earnings, increases debt, and contributes to job insecurity. In sun-drying, these losses can lead to disputes with lenders, land and asset loss, food shortages, and legal conflicts. A gender-focused approach to post-harvest loss management is crucial, as men and women face different challenges and require tailored solutions. To reduce post-harvest loss, investments in fishing and processing infrastructure are necessary. This includes advanced fishing boats with preservation facilities, electrical drying machines, and elevated drying racks. Additionally, access to capital is essential to support business growth and sustainability.