MWANZA: SARDINE traders in the Lake Zone are facing significant losses due to the persistent rain, which is hindering traditional sun-drying methods.
To mitigate these challenges and ensure product quality, they are urging the government and relevant stakeholders to invest in modern drying technology.
Traditionally, sardines are sun-dried, but the persistent rain has rendered this method unreliable. The perishable nature of fresh sardines necessitates immediate drying to prevent spoilage. Without timely drying, the fish becomes unfit for human consumption and can only be used as animal feed.
“Sardines must be dried immediately after being caught. Failure to do so renders them unfit for human consumption,” explained Fatma Katulla, Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TWFA).
According to her, the sardines have been usually put into full and semi-dry categories, with the latter being in the first place put on the drying mechanism for at-least an hour, for water draining before the frying process, so as to have the long-lasting final products.
She further explained that the former is to be fully put on drying mechanisms for the whole day, because it must be a-one-go process. Otherwise, the final product becomes unfit for human consumption, but for animals. She said it is clear that if sardines do not dry completely, they develop an unpleasant odour.
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“Remember, we are not in this business for animals, but for people, with a primary focus on providing economic and nutritional benefits to our fellow citizens,” she said.
She insisted on the urgent need for modern drying machines, not only for sardine traders but also for fish traders in general, many of whom still rely on firewood for drying.
“From my understanding, the use of firewood has serious health and environmental implications, especially as afforestation efforts in our society are minimal. Moreover, the continued use of firewood hampers our economy because our products fail to meet international quality standards,” she explained.
She proposed that modern drying machines be established as a public, one-stop centre, accessible to all traders in the region.
The ‘Daily News’ visited the ‘Kayenze Ndogo’ fishing camp, where sardine traders, including Ms Modesta Aloyce, echoed the same concerns about the importance of modern drying facilities in preventing losses during the rainy season. Ms Aloyce noted that business is slowing due to the unpredictability of weather conditions.
“This facility would not only serve as a reliable market but also help ensure our products meet quality standards, as it will operate under the oversight of relevant quality control authorities,” she said.
The Chairperson of the Cooperative Societies at the International Fish Market Mwaloni-Kirumba, Mr Erasto Bolosha also acknowledged the losses faced by sardine traders.
He strongly supported the call for modern drying machines, asserting that only such technology could stabilise the fishing business. However, he proposed that the machines be provided as interest-free loans to trader groups, with the guarantee of repayment.
