Assessment of postharvest fish losses: The case study of Albert Bosomtwi-Sam fishing harbour, Western Region, Ghana

Abstract

The increase in world population calls for an urgent increase in the food supply, and the critical way to go is to reduce food loss after harvest. To reduce these losses, a study was conducted to assess the postharvest fish losses at Albert Bosomtwi-Sam fishing harbour at Sekondi in the Western Region of Ghana from July 2015 to January 2016. Random sampling was used to select 150 fishermen, 90 fish processors and 90 fish sellers’ while questionnaires were administered. Fishes mostly caught were the Sardinella maderensis (Madeiran sardinella) and S. aurita (Sardines). Postharvest fish loss from 2010 to 2016 was estimated to be 92 tonnes. The types of losses that were identified in the study area included quality losses (50%), physical losses (32%), and market losses (12%). Also, the leading causes of postharvest fish losses in the study area included inadequate ice (10%), extended stay at the harbour (33%), poor processing technique (30%) and gear-related injuries (28%). Smoking and salting were the highest processing methods used contributing 40% each, while drying provided 15% and 5% for frying helping in reducing those losses. Infrastructural facilities should be provided to fisherfolk to help reduce postharvest fisheries losses (PHFL). This information will help the government, policymakers in making constructive decisions to reduce PHFL and increase profit for fisherfolk.