Abstract
AbstractThis review was aimed to summarize the extent and causes of fish post‐harvest losses (FPHLs) in Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries and suggests the necessary intervention measures to narrow the gap between demand and supply. Globally, an estimate of 10–12 million tons of fish is lost per year. FPHLs in SSA are higher than those in other parts of the world. In SSA, the values of fisheries are estimated at 24 billion USD, 1.26% of the GDP of all the African countries and 6% of agriculture GDP. The vast majority of FPHLs in SSA occur at the production (39%), handling (36%), distribution (13%), processing (7%) and consumption (5%). The major factors that cause FPHLs in SSA were long time spent in hauling of fishing gears, spoilage, size discrimination, species preferences, operational losses, animal predation, poor handling practices, lengthy duration of fishing cycle, failure to use ice, lack of storage facilities, lack of transportation and insect infestation. FPHLs amount one third of total production and financial losses of 2–5 billion USD in SSA countries. Furthermore, volarization of fish waste and converting waste into useful substances is a promising approach to reduce fish waste. It can be recommended that improving fish production, live fish handling, processing, preserving, and marketing in SSA could narrow the gap between fish demand and supply.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.