Lake Tanganyika fishermen and processors boost fish exports with new technologies

Kigoma. Fishermen and fish processors at Lake Tanganyika are using new technologies to add value to their products and reach international markets.

These technologies include solar-powered tents for drying sardines and smokeless stoves that use safe waste materials. The fishermen also use special boxes to store fish and sardines while on the lake, helping to prevent spoilage.

In the past, processors had to dry sardines on the ground and use firewood, which made the sardines less marketable due to sand contamination and the smell of smoke.

The introduction of these technologies is part of the FISH4ACP project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) in the Kigoma and Katavi regions.

Speaking on September 5, 2024, in Kigoma, fish processor Betina Francis said the FISH4ACP project has transformed her business.

"Sardines dried using solar-powered tents sell for Sh40,000 per kilogram, while those dried with smokeless stoves sell for Sh30,000 per kilogram. The added value and cleanliness, free of dust and bacteria, make a big difference," she said.

Betina explained that before using these technologies, she dried sardines on the ground, which lowered the product's quality and reduced customer interest, even though she sold them for Sh20,000 per kilogram.

In just one year of using the new technology, Betina has increased her business capital, bought a motorbike and a Bajaj, and built a home for herself and her children.

Her success is due to an increasing number of customers from different regions in Tanzania and abroad, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Australia, and Rwanda.

"Some customers ask me to season the sardines with ginger and chili, while others tell me which technology to use before sending them the product. I also rent out my smokeless stoves for events, like roasting chicken, which earns me Sh20,000. This has really boosted my income," she added.

Fish processor Suzana Hamimu from the Katonga landing site urged the government to increase the budget for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries so that both fishermen and processors can benefit.

The ministry's budget for 2024/2025, approved by Parliament, is Sh460.3 billion, compared to Sh295.9 billion for 2023/2024, a 56 percent increase.

Suzana noted that with more fish and sardines in Lake Tanganyika, the government should partner with development organizations like FAO through the FISH4ACP project to remove challenges faced by fishermen.

"Even though there are more fish and sardines after the lake was temporarily closed, we, the processors, had to repair damaged fishing gear, which was expensive. It's important that we also receive support like loans and other financial aid," she said.

Fish processor Zena Masoud from Kigoma discussed the reopening of the lake, explaining that before it was closed, the large number of fishing nets reduced the fish population.

"Last year, I processed less than 50 kilograms of sardines for the whole year, compared to over 10 tons in previous years. But just a few months after the lake reopened, I've already processed one ton. This shows how important the closure was," she said.

Zena added that she has sold more than 700 kilograms of sardines to Rwanda, Burundi, and Australia at Sh22,000 per kilogram, compared to the Sh50,000 to Sh60,000 prices in the past when the product was scarce.

Through the FISH4ACP project, processors at the landing site have received special boxes to store fish and sardines, which prevent spoilage. These new boxes are different from the wooden ones used before, which could develop bacteria and bad smells after use on the lake.

"Through this project, we’ve also received financial education on saving with banks, which helps us qualify for loans. We’ve already opened bank accounts. Another benefit is the improved sardine drying process. We no longer dry them on the ground, which keeps their value higher.

"We now have special areas for sun-drying sardines without contact with the soil. There’s also another technology we’re waiting to get loans for, which will help us build special areas for drying fish using smokeless stoves instead of firewood," she added.