Post-harvest losses (PHL) of fish in the fisheries sector and value chain are a major threat to food security in Africa. Statistical data shows that post-harvest losses in artisanal fisheries in Africa are estimated to range from 30–40 per cent and sometimes even higher. Economic losses occur when spoilage of fish results in a decrease in value. Inadequate handling and processing methods can lead to nutritional loss. Such losses are unacceptable in a continent where food insecurity and poverty affects millions.
In order to tackle this issue, the SmartFish Programme developed The Clean Fish Better Life Campaign, a multimedia awareness raising package, a mobile cinema and consumer education Campaign. This awareness raising campaign has been designed for the three Lake Victoria riparian countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) to sensitize fishing communities on the importance of fish hygiene and good handling practices for better fish quality and nutrition.
The set of activities around the campaign included a participatory video and a video-training package to teach small scale fisheries operator in Africa on the importance of hygiene and quality in the small scale fisheries for better quality and business.
The campaign was also accompanied by a fish consumption promotion and nutrition campaign with special focus on pregnant women, elders, children and HiV affected people via use of public cooking demonstrations and distribution of an illustrated fish nutrition/consumption/cooking booklet and fliers. The fliers in English, Kiswahili and Luganda explain “How to ensure safe fish consumption”.
Each session of the campaign included the broadcasting of an awareness participatory video, realized with the direct involvement of beneficiaries, on the importance of hygiene and quality in small scale fisheries and a cooking demonstration from a fish recipe book produced by the Programme.

Credits: FAO FI

Created: 2013

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