Scaling up fish processing technologies, marketing and women’s empowerment for improved incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities in Uganda

Small pelagic fish (those that live in the open seas) play important roles in the nutrition and livelihoods of fishing communities in Uganda. However, limited access to capital, lack of appropriate processing technologies and skills, gender inequalities and limited alternative livelihood options combine to reduce benefits to fisherfolk. Previous research has demonstrated that solar tent dryers have the potential to cut small fish drying time in half, increasing quality of small fish, doubling incomes of women fish processors, tripling shelf life to almost five months and increasing savings of women and youth. They therefore contribute to improving access to financial resources and better livelihoods in target areas.

This project, called NutriFishPLUS, seeks to scale these positive outcomes. Its main objective is to enhance the incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities through increased quantity and improved quality of small pelagic fish and fish-based food products along with greater market access. This includes adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks, innovative marketing strategies and enhanced supply chain linkages. The project aims to increase the participation of and benefits to women, youth and marginalized groups across the fish value chain and strengthen the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.

The NutriFishPLUS project is one of the two Cultivate Africa's Future Plus projects that are co-funded by IDRC and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.