Market and Value Chains
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/4
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- Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) is considered a more sustainable alternative to conventional monoculture and polyculture systems, with potential to enhance profitability and reduce environmental impacts. However, IMTA adoption in Bangladesh remains limited because there is insufficient evidence of any economic and environmental advantages over existing conventional systems. As part of Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS), scientists at WorldFish evaluated the forecasted economic viability and environmental impact of sequential IMTA implementation by comparing conventional systems with partial and full IMTA systems. Across all of these systems, investment costs ranged from USD 13.17/m³ to USD 399.51/m³. Returns per USD 1 invested varied substantially, reaching USD 2.85–954.05 in full IMTA systems, USD 2.18–999.53 in partial IMTA systems, and USD 0.99–757.21 in monoculture and polyculture systems. In addition, full IMTA implementation reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 56.7–87.8 per cent compared with conventional monoculture and polyculture systems.
- Estimation and reduction of fish loss and waste (FLW) is essential for improving the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to the achievement of national development objectives related to food security, income, employment, livelihoods and trade. Despite various FLW estimation and evaluation of interventions for loss reduction, a lack of consolidated data to support evidence-based investments and policy choices at national level still exist. The study aimed to evaluate FLW in low- and lower middle-income countries, identify gaps in assessment and examine causes and mitigation measures. A systematic review was performed using predefined criteria, and extracted quantitative data from eligible studies were used to calculate the average fish weight loss and the corresponding financial losses. The literature search was conducted without date restrictions. After applying the inclusion criteria and removing duplicates, 48 articles published between 1996–2024 were retained from an initial 247 for detailed analysis. Results indicate variation in estimated fish weight losses across various value chain stages. While small-scale FLW studies are more prevalent in Africa than in Asia or Latin America, data remains limited especially for distribution, marketing and consumption stages. In Africa, the greatest fish losses occur during processing (15%) and marketing (14.5%), while Asia fish loss is most pronounced during capture and distribution stages (12.6% and 10%, respectively). In Latin America, processing accounts for the largest share of losses (13%). Fish waste at the consumption stage is minimal (1.5%). Research focuses on small pelagic fish species, with most studies estimating physical losses. Assessment of quality, nutritional and financial losses are limited, and few studies incorporate gender disaggregated and responsive data. A multidimensional intervention approach is recommended to sustainably reduce losses, thereby ensuring food and nutrition security, while contributing to economic development.
- Despite previous research on small fish (Dagaa) postharvest losses, a comprehensive assessment of the entire regional supply chain remains limited. The study aimed to quantify Dagaa losses, identify their causes and propose mitigation strategies. Using FAO’s load tracking method, Informal Fish Loss Assessment Method (IFLAM) and Questionnaire Loss Assessment Method (QLAM), we monitored changes in product weight, quality and nutritional profile. Results highlight processing and transportation as the most critical loss points. Processing stage accounted for 19.5%, 10% and 0.18 USD kg− 1 quality, physical and monetary loss, respectively primarily due to animal predation, poor drying infrastructure, and over-boiling. Losses increase during the rainy season due to reliance on sun drying. Transportation losses were significant (6%, 8% and 0.89 USD kg− 1 quality, physical and financial loss, respectively) caused by overloading, compression and mishandling. Landing delays during bargaining contributed to 2% quality loss, while storage and packaging quality losses were 4% and 3%, respectively, due to poor storage conditions and overstuffing practices. At the marketing stage, quality and physical losses reached 4% and 5%, respectively, owing to inappropriate storage infrastructure and mishandling. Consumption stage recorded 0.1% physical loss. Protein content of dried fish significantly declined following storage and transportation (P < 0.05). The micronutrients levels remained stable post storage and transportation. Mafia Island Fisheries lose about 15 million USD annually. A multidimensional intervention approach is recommended to reduce post-harvest losses. The study offers insights to guide government policies on food security and postharvest management, while supporting industry efforts to enhance efficiency, profitability and sustainability.
- This research brief assesses gender participation, empowerment, and inclusion across fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Uganda. The study was conducted in Busia, Namayingo, Mayuge, and Jinja districts using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs with women, men, youth, and private sector actors across selected landing sites. Findings indicate that gender roles remain largely differentiated: men dominate capture fisheries, while women are more engaged in processing, marketing, and small-scale aquaculture. However, a gradual shift toward greater gender inclusivity is evident. Women’s participation in boat ownership, fish trade, and cage farming has increased, supported by enabling policy frameworks such as the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act (2022) and initiatives under the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). Women’s empowerment has been further strengthened through improved access to education, credit, and community sensitisation initiatives. Despite these gains, persistent challenges—including limited access to capital, restrictive cultural norms, and low representation of women in leadership—continue to constrain equitable participation. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act (2022), expanding access to finance and skills development for women and youth, improving market infrastructure at landing sites, and increasing women’s leadership representation to at least 50%. Continuous gender data monitoring, targeted research, and public–private partnerships are essential to advancing Uganda’s NDP IV priorities and achieving SDGs 5, 8, and 14 for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
- This report presents findings from a PRO-WEFI study conducted to generate qualitative and quantitative evidence on women’s and men’s participation, roles, and experiences within small-scale fisheries in Tanzania, with a focus on Zanzibar and Kilwa. It aims to deepen understanding of gendered dynamics in fisheries livelihoods and contribute to evidence-based interventions that promote women’s economic empowerment in aquatic food systems.
- This report presents a practical, data-driven framework for assessing climate risks in fisheries and aquaculture, with a focus on Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zambia, where aquatic food systems are critical to food security, livelihoods, and economic development but increasingly exposed to climate stressors. It consolidates and evaluates available climate, hydrological, ecological, production, and socioeconomic datasets, and compares predictive, statistical, and integrated risk-based analytical approaches to identify those most viable under current data constraints. The report adopts an IPCC AR6–aligned integrated risk framework that combines climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability to generate comparative insights without relying on precise outcome predictions. These methods provide the analytical foundation for developing country-level climate-risk profiles to inform adaptation planning, sectoral strategies, and climate investment in aquatic food systems.
- Climate change poses growing risks to aquatic food systems, particularly in vulnerable regions. At the same time, aquatic foods offer potential for climate adaptation and mitigation because of their relatively low environmental footprints and contributions to livelihoods and nutrition. Despite this dual role, however, the extent to which climate policies and aquatic foods policies are aligned is seldomly considered. This report assesses the coherence between climate policy and aquatic foods policy in Kenya and Zambia. The analysis focuses on sectoral fisheries and aquaculture policies and national-level climate frameworks, specifically Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and climate action strategies. Using a structured analytical framework, coherence was assessed across objectives, measures, policy instruments, implementation arrangements, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and horizontal and vertical coordination. Thirteen national-level policy documents were analyzed: seven from Kenya and six from Zambia. Documents were systematically coded using keyword searches and a deductive codebook, and each was scored using a coherence index (scale 1–10) that weighted objectives, instruments, implementation, M&E, coordination, and aquatic foods specificity. Overall, the results show a fragmented but evolving policy landscape in both countries. Climate frameworks tend to integrate aquatic food systems more consistently than fisheries and aquaculture policies integrate climate considerations. In Kenya, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAPIII) and the country’s NAP demonstrate strong coherence, with clear objectives, multiple instruments, quantified targets, budget allocations, and defined institutional responsibilities. In Zambia, coherence is strongest in the National Aquaculture Trade Development Strategy, which operationalizes climate-smart aquaculture as part of an economic growth and diversification agenda. In contrast, older fisheries legislation and sectoral implementation plans in both countries show little or no reference to climate risks, adaptation, or mitigation. These documents score lowest on coherence, highlighting a lag between rapidly evolving climate policy agendas and slower sectoral and legal reform processes. A key finding is that alignment at the level of objectives alone is insufficient. High coherence is associated with concrete instruments, implementation pathways, budget lines, and M&E frameworks. Where climate–aquatic foods linkages remain largely aspirational, such as in some NDCs and high- level policies, coherence is considerably weaker. Common gaps across both countries include limited M&E systems, weak vertical coherence between national and subnational levels, and a lack of formal cross-referencing between climate and aquatic foods policies. The findings suggest that strengthening coherence requires aligning and updating existing policies rather than creating and layering new ones. Key entry points include revising fisheries and aquaculture policies to embed climate resilience, strengthening M&E systems, and improving coordination across climate, fisheries, and planning institutions. The analytical framework used in this study is lightweight and replicable, offering potential for broader application to support climate-responsive governance of aquatic food systems in other countries.
- This report documents a capacity-sharing study tour conducted in Zambia under the CGIAR CapSHA accelerator, bringing together small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in aquatic food processing from Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi. The tour focused on peer-to-peer learning, value addition, product quality improvement, entrepreneurship, and market access across aquatic food value chains. Participants shared experiences, visited processing and aquaculture enterprises, and discussed challenges related to packaging, energy access, certification, and scaling. The report highlights practical lessons, innovation pathways, and gender-inclusive business models that support resilient and nutritious aquatic food systems.
- The overall objective of the training was to strengthen participants’ technical, entrepreneurial, and gender-responsive capacities to produce safe, high-quality, and market-ready fish products. The programme integrated practical application of improved fish smoking and solar drying technologies, food safety and quality assurance (including hygiene, GMPs, SOPs, packaging, labeling, and regulatory compliance), business development using the Business Model Canvas, and gender-transformative learning through the Gender Action Learning System (GALS). A blended, experiential learning approach was adopted, combining short theoretical sessions, hands-on processing, group discussions, peer learning, and visioning exercises.
- This policy brief reviews the role of gender in the fisheries sector in Ghana and identifies the gaps that limit the full participation and economic empowerment of women, youth and vulnerable populations. Key among these issues are cultural norms and stereotyping that constrain the potential roles of these groups. Addressing these disparities will require a combination of improved and disaggregated data collection across all subsectors, targeted policy reforms, awareness-creation, and direct support for vulnerable actors in the sector.
- The Gendered Fishery Value Chain Analysis and Fish Loss and Waste Assessment toolkit was developed to provide a structured, gender-responsive approach to data collection across fisheries value chains. It integrates quantitative survey tools and qualitative participatory tools to generate a comprehensive understanding of livelihoods, value chain performance, gender dynamics, and drivers of fish loss and waste. Quantitative tools generate statistically robust evidence across actor groups, while qualitative tools deepen understanding of behaviors, perceptions, power relations, and social norms.
- This report presents the findings of a comprehensive community readiness and technology adoption assessment carried out between 13 and 15 October 2025 across Kakione, Sindo, and Nyachebe Beaches in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The findings reveal that community-level social capital is already in place—anchored in trust, collective responsibility, and established welfare systems. However, technical competence, equipment functionality, and market integration are weak points requiring targeted support.
- This manual will serve as a valuable reference by entrepreneurs (Small and medium-sized enterprises) in agro-processing and value addition in the fish value chain, especially trainers of trainers (TOTs) in the Fish on short-course programs
- This report provides an overview of the market intermediary landscape, value chains related to agroecological products in Lao PDR, based on a desk review, consultations, a validation workshop. Agroecological and organic agriculture in Laos has been supported since 2004 through the PROFIL project led by Helvetas and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which established national organic standards and the Lao Certification Body (LCB). Organic products—primarily coffee, rice, tea, and vegetables—are marketed both domestically and internationally (e.g., Thailand, EU, United States). Many farmers practice organic methods by necessity due to the high cost of chemical inputs but still face challenges meeting formal certification requirements.
- Aquaculture plays an important role in fostering economic growth and addressing rural poverty in numerous regions worldwide. The AQUADMC (Optimising AQUAculture Development and Market Connectivity) project focuses on integrating diverse datasets, including EO-derived information and socio-economic data, to support the development of freshwater and coastal aquaculture in various parts of Bangladesh and Kenya. Using satellite imagery, socio-economic insights, and logistical analysis, the project seeks to optimise site selection, enhance market connectivity, and promote environmentally sustainable practices. The methodology employs advanced satellite technologies to monitor water quality parameters in rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Indicators such as turbidity, chlorophyll-a concentrations, salinity and surface temperature are analysed to evaluate environmental suitability for aquaculture activities. Water quality data obtained through the application of algorithms on satellite imagery are complemented by historical, socio-economic data tracing the evolution of aquaculture practices in the analysed regions. The integration of socio-economic and logistical data in the identification of aquaculture trends seems to demonstrate a strong alignment with water quality data derived from satellites for the monitoring of existing aquaculture sites and the possible location of new ponds. The project is an interactive decision support tool, providing policymakers and stakeholders with a comprehensive resource for making informed decisions. The AQUADMC project represents an exemplary case of international cooperation in Earth observation. These efforts highlight the critical role of collaborative approaches in promoting sustainable aquaculture development in Bangladesh, Kenya and beyond.
- This report forms a key deliverable of the AQUADMC project and provides a comprehensive overview of the Mapping Tool and Final Platform developed as part of the project. This document aims to detail the implementation and functionality of the geospatial web platform designed to facilitate the consultation of geospatial and socio-economic datasets. It provides a detailed account of the consolidated methodologies employed in the two project activities, along with the results of their integration into the platform. The project leverages advanced remote sensing and satellite technologies to evaluate and map potential aquaculture sites. The methodology incorporates environmental, socio-economic, and logistical factors to ensure the suitability and sustainability of each site. The primary output is a mapping tool that integrates data from suitability analyses, socio-economic impact assessments, and logistical evaluations. This tool delivers clear, actionable insights to support the selection of aquaculture sites that optimise operational efficiency, market accessibility, and environmental sustainability. The present report presents the Mapping Tool and Platform in Bangladesh and Kenya.
- The training was designed in response to the results of the capacity assessment conducted with producers in August 2025, which identified fish processing, post-harvest handling, and cost–profit and loss analysis as the most critical needs. The training also bridges the importance of strengthening linkages among various actors, including aquaculture farmers, fish processors, technical experts, ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers, and both retail and wholesale markets within and outside the agricultural cooperative. The main purposes of the training were: (1) to provide participants with techniques in family-based fish processing; (2) to build capacity in post-harvest fish handling; and (3) to create opportunities for experience sharing and learning among farmers, processors, market actors, and technical officers, with the broader goal of improving household income through green products
- This report presents the outcomes of a comprehensive needs assessment, capacity building, and technical facility intervention initiative conducted under the Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) program in Cambodia and Lao PDR. The assessment aimed to identify technical, managerial, and infrastructural gaps among producer groups and agricultural cooperatives, and to design targeted interventions to strengthen their business and market engagement.
- The information sheets contain information about how to handle and care for fish as a fisher, fish vendor or customer, to make sure that fish stays fresh, healthy and safe for human consumption. They are structured according to four rules: care, cool, clean, and quick. The information sheet for customers also includes a guide for how to choose the freshest fish.
- The purpose of this handbook is to introduce improved practices that help fishers, processors, and traders maximize the value of the fish they catch, process, and sell, while also reducing post-harvest losses. It supports the national food safety standards related to fishery products and serves as a practical guide for trainers in rural fishing communities. By promoting the adoption of these standards among fishers, processors, traders and fish farmers, this handbook aims to enhance the production, consumption and trade of high-quality seafood in coastal and rural communities throughout Solomon Islands.