Pre-Scaling Up of Solar Tent Fish Drier in Northern and North Western Part of Lake Tana, Ethiopia

Abstract

Solar tent fish drier (STFD) reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring continuous availability of cheap animal protein. This study aimed to: (1) minimize post harvest losses by improving the shelf life dried fish; (2) enhance technology multiplication and dissemination system; (3) create clear insight about the technology implementation. This study was carried out in the northern and northwestern part of Lake Tana from June, 2014 to June, 2015. Purposive sampling methods were used to select Dembiya, Alefa and Gondar zuriya districts with their respective locality. Transact walk, interview, focus group discussion, and stakeholder consultation were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected from 38 sample households by preparing structured questionnaire. Likert scale scoring, descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, and standard deviations were used for analysis. The age structure of the sample households shows an average of 33.97 years and 44.7% of the respondents were female. Sample households average family size is 4.6 and the distance from the home to the main road takes 63.89 minutes of walk. The solar tent fish drier was prepared from readily available materials such as; wood, white and black plastic, nail, rope and mesh wire with a size of 2meter height and 1.7 meter length. For this activity, six tents were prepared for three districts and fish species selected for the activity was labeobarbus intermedius. The salt amount used was 60gram iodine salt per liter in brine form. The weight of dried fish becomes stable and dried well in the third day; with total moisture losses of 60%. Drying fish by solar tent fish dryer enables to produce hygienic, high quality, organoleptically good dried fish with low cost. By drying quickly it is possible to reduce post harvest losses thereby ensuring continuous availability of cheap animal protein. Absence of better price for fish dried by solar tent is the main challenge for further adoption. Promotion and market linkage for the quality dried fish; continuous support and follow up are very important to sustain the technology. Materials and Methods Site selection and providing training This study was carried out in the northern and northwest part of Lake Tana. The study areas were selected based on the existence of surplus fish production and fish drying experience. Based on the

Evaluation of solar dryers on drying and sensory properties of salted Tilapia filets, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

“…This observation agrees with the sensory evaluation done on fish dried with low cost solar dryers by Sengar et al (2009) and Rahman et al (2012). Asmare et al (2016) found acceptable sensory quality in barbus (Labeo barbus intermedius) fish fillets dried in solar tent dryer. Sulieman and Sidahmed (2012) also reported higher acceptable sensory quality in solar plastic sheet dryer than rabbit wire and open air dryers.…”

Fisheries of Jemma and Wonchit Rivers: As a Means of Livelihood Diversification and its Challenges in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

“…This is by violating regional fisheries proclamation No. 315/2003 article 5 (7) which states "fishing by using illegal fishing materials, such as poisons, and fish narcotizing plant is forbidden except for the purpose of research" [28]. Therefore, poor implementation regional fisheries regulation was clearly observed.…”

“…315/2003 article 5 (7). Support the fishermen in terms of fishing and processing equipment which are eco-friendly techniques; aware the residents on how O. niloticus is important for human food so that can be one of commercially important fish species in the area; train and demonstrate how O. niloticus and Heterobranchus longifilis (locally called Gilgel) fish species are important for fish farming; and integrate fish farming with the existing irrigation scheme of the area.…”

“…Fish dried by direct sun often results in low quality as a result of slow drying, insect infestation and contamination from airborne dust etc. However, drying fish by solar tent fish dryer enables to produce hygienic, high quality, organoleptically good dried fish with low cost [7]. Therefore, Introducing and disseminating solar tent fish drier technology to keep the hygiene of catch will have a vital role.…”

“…Fish is an important food item that has significant socioeconomic contribution as a source of income, employment and cheap protein for marginal people in developing countries including Ethiopia [7]. Inland fisheries are particularly important for the food security of poor people, as most inland fish production goes for subsistence or local consumption [8].…”