11. The Secretariat introduced document CIFA/83/3. The Committee was informed that at least 20 percent of the catch from inland waters of Africa is lost due to improper handling, processing, storage and distribution. This estimation should be considered rather as a conservative one as no data on overall losses are available. The extremely diverse character of the loss causing factors and the fact that much of the fish trade is carried out in remote areas makes detailed quantification of losses complicated and difficult.
12. The Committee noted that although methods of loss reduction are known and in many cases are neither sophisticated nor very expensive, their implementation presents severe difficulties. The low educational level of producers and traders, the wide dispersion of producers and the very weak or frequently non-existent extension services as well as the lack of incentive to improve the quality of the product, are the main constraints in the transfer of knowledge on better handling and processing.
13. The Committee agreed that the prevention or reduction of post-harvest losses in fisheries is a long-term task and there is no easy solution to it. Well directed, trained and organized extension services will be essential to any loss-reducing strategy. As a simple solution cannot always be given, extension services should closely cooperate with research institutions carrying out applied research in fish technology.
14. The Committee was informed that FAO set up the Cooperative Research Programme on Fish Technology in Africa aimed at strengthening cooperation and coordination among institutions within the region and to carry out research in fish technology. The most important issues in this Programme relevant to the Committee are: improvement in handling of fresh fish, applied research on the tilization for human consumption of Haplochromis from Lake Victoria, review the problem of the use of insecticides to prevent insect infestation (where this practice occurs or is accepted by law) their effectiveness and possible health hazards and research programmes on the prevention of losses in cured fish in Africa.
15. The Committee agreed that technological research and transfer of technology by extension will be difficult to implement unless there is a provision for infrastructure improvements. This should include the provision of landing and handling facilities, fish markets and stores, proper supply of equipment, etc. The construction of roads, or repairs to existing ones, together with the provision of trucks, could significantly improve the distribution systems of fish and also substantially reduce post-harvest losses. Adequate maintenance facilities and spare parts should be available. As more sophisticated equipment is introduced, adequate maintenance becomes vital.
16. The Committee recommended that FAO and Member Governments be requested to give a full and continuous support to the Cooperative Research Programme on Fish Technology in Africa. Emphasis in this programme should be put on the applied research on improved handling and processing methods, prevention of losses and better utilization of existent resources for direct human consumption. To avoid duplication of effort proper coordination of the research within the region as well as dissemination of the results achieved should be assured.
