Fish preservation is essential for maintaining quality, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving marketability. Traditional methods such as sun-drying are still widely used but face challenges like contamination and weather dependence. To improve efficiency, raised drying racks and solar dryers are being introduced, with solar dryers offering better hygiene, faster drying, and reduced losses.
Emerging technologies include cold chain storage (CCS) to preserve freshness for high-end markets and value-added processing like deep frying and fish powder production to enhance shelf life and nutritional benefits.
Training programs, such as those at Chifunfu Landing Site in Tanzania, are equipping over 200 women and youth with skills in quality standards, cooperative management, and the use of modern preservation technologies.
Going forward, efforts will focus on scaling up technology access, fostering public-private partnerships, and promoting climate-smart preservation techniques to strengthen the small fish sector and boost economic opportunities.