Distribution of Artisanal Smoked Fish Products in the Gambia

Abstract

The artisanal fisheries sector in the Gambia is the major producer of cured fish. About 60% is marketed as smoked or dried. Fish is the affordable source of animal protein in most parts of country. Traditional processing of fish in the Gambia is a reliable means of extending its shelf life hence making it available to consumers living in rural areas. Post-harvest losses are estimated at 20-30%. The market for smoked fish is expanding, although inadequate market information and low level of organization among producers and traders limit the efficiency of the trade. In this study, an overview of distribution of artisanal smoked fish products in the Gambia was presented using four approaches. First, an overview of the national fisheries policy objectives by looking at some of the programs and strategies put in place by the government. Further, description of the resource potentials, characteristics of the fisheries, and the production were discussed. Attempts were also made to determine the importance and contribution of the fisheries sector to the national economy. The first approach focused on the capacity to generate employment, foreign exchange, fish protein for local consumption, and over all, the contribution of the fisheries sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Secondly, the various products, processing technology and the gender pattern of the fisheries sector, were explored highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. A few case studies were given as an illustration. Thirdly, an overview of marketing and distribution of fish and fish products, including fish handling, diaspora trade, organizational structure and strategy of the cured fish industry was examined. Lastly, study gives an overview of the sociocultural dimensions of the fish marketing. The family relations, expectations, the ethnicities of the fishing families, the conjugal relations and the expectations from the society, importance of family members, their believes and customs, and role specialization within the fishing families were highlighted.