Jim-Saiki, L. O.

Ogunbadejo, H. K.

English

Aquatic Commons

SMALLSCALE ASH PRODUCflON, PROCESSIING AND
MARKETNG N IIBEJULEKK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
OF LAGOS STATE, NGERA
L Jim-Saiki and HK. Ogunbadejo
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research,
Victoria Island, RM.M 12729, Lagos
r This paper used two methods in evaluating fish production: Processing and Marketing in the artisanal
fisheries of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. These are questionnaires and
Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA). The methods clearly brought out the forms and nature of operation
of the different types of fishing methods, the fish species landed and processed, the marketing and
distribution channels of the final products. Fish production in Ibeju-Lekki LGA depicts all forms and
nature of operation of almost all types of fishing gears in the coastal marine waters of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Fishing is done all through the year with varying intensities and the fish produced forms the bulk of the fish
processed and sold in Lagos State. The fisheries are organized in such a way that the "organogram" is
followed religiously through the rank and file (though informal), from the producer through the processor
cum marketer to the consumer. Standard prices also exist for fishes along the distribution chain. About
90% of the fish landed are processed (smoked) and sold by the women folk who combine the functions of
the processor and marketer. And about 10% are consumed fresh.
INTRODUCTION
Fishing in Nigeria is one of the oldest occupations
especially for coastal dwellers and it could be
traced to the same origin with hunting. Certain
elements of design and construction employed in
the fishing gears are the same as in hunting. For the
fish caught to get to distant markets or last the
household for more than a day, it is necessary to
employ preservation and processing methods.
Fish is a major source of animal protein and an
essential food item in the diet of many Nigerians,
being relatively cheaper than meat. Much of the
fish consumed consists of cheap species such as
Sardine/la, Bonga, moonfish, ilisha, and tilalpia,
especially in the coastal and inland rural areas
where incomes are generally low (Tobor 1990).
Tobor (1990) also asserted that fish is a highly
perishable commodity, worsened by the high
ambient tropical temperatures in Nigeria. Artisanal
179
fishery is responsible for about 80 percent of
Nigeria's domestic fish production. However, the
sector is disadvantaged due to lack of access to ice
or refrigerated storage. Therefore, the traditional
methods of sun-drying, salting and; smoking are
used in preserving fish that cannot be sold fresh,
although smoke-drying has been found to be the
prevalent form of fish preservation in this sector.
Post harvest losses in the sector is a major
problem cutting across fishing, processing and
marketing, especially during glut. The losses are
estimated to be between 30 and 40 percent (Tobor,
1984). These losses are also a function of the
different fishing gears, poor handling, processing
and distribution network. It is in view of this that
a study was carried out with the following
objectives:
(A) The Purse Seine Net Fishery
The Purse seine net fishery is entirely dominated
ABSTRACT
Table 1: Fish Production at Ibeju -Lekki LGA for 2002 (Catch/kg)
Month - Purse-/seine
net
Multifilament
Gilinet
Monofilament
Gilinet
Total fish
production
January 27,430.6 1,140.2 12,167.2 40,738.0
February 25,825.6
-
1,110.1 12,032.1 38,967.8
March 20,915.4 1,055.9 10,1114.5 32,085.8
April 17,355.3 992.1 10,254.8 28,602.2
May 17,106i. 840.2 7,480.3 25,426.6
June 11,757.9 155.3 5,651.2 17,564.4
July 5,654.2 123.1 3,021.5 8,798.8
August 5,720.3 203.5
215.9
3,836.7 9,760.5
September 6,926.8 4,520.4 11,663.1
October 19,750.6 3,457.1 13,522.9 36,730.6
November 25,072.1 3,159.2 11,788.3 40,019.6
December 30,778.3 3,856.5 14,291.5 48,926.3
by Ghanaian fishermen using Ghana type of boats
(simply referred to as "Ghana Boats"), encircling
method and outboard engines of about 40 45 hp.
The boats measuring between 16.6m and 21.6m in
length are virtually imported as all its parts,
including woods for repairs are imported from
Ghana. The nets varying in sizes are usually about
I 50rn long and 28 35m deep. The major target
fishery is usually the pelagic species (Clupeidac)
Ethrnaiosa jIinbriata and Sadinella incideransis.
On board "Ghana boats are usually between 14 and
20 crew members with different functions. The
captain is always in charge of the boat whether the
boat owne is on board or is represented. If
represented however, the representative on return
gives a full account of the trip to the owner. He is
also responsible for the sale of the catch.
(b) The Multifilament Gill Net Fishery
Nigerians. mainly indigenous Yoruba dominate this
type of fishery. The boats used are smaller than the
Ghana types (length between 8.3 and 9.3m) using
20 25 hp Yamaha outboard engine. The crew,
usually between two and three men also targets
180
Clulpeidae. All the components of the boat are
locally purchased in Nigeria. The fishing method
is bottom set gill net, which is usually about 91m
long.
(c) The Monofliament Gill Net Fishery
The indigenous Yorubas operating locally dugout
boats of about 5.3m long and without outboard
engine also dominate the monofilarnent gill net
fishery. The mode of propelling the boats
therefore is by the use of paddles. The crew
usually of one or two men depends on the presence
of trawlers for fishing. It is the sound of the
trawlers, which scare fishes that facilitate their
catch. The length of the net used here is about 3m.
Seasonality ofFisbing.Qration
Though fish production takes place throughout
the year, it is seasonal with its peak during the
dry season when the sea is calm and warm.
During this period, fishermen were seen hustling
and bustling and are rarely available for other
activities. During the slack season however,
fishermen become idle (forced leave) and hardly
in alternative enterprise(s) like farming. All other
livelihood groups are affected by this inactivity,
but the women fish processors sometimes engage
in trading. Table 2 is a presentation of the
seasonal variation in fishing.
(a) To obtain, information from stakeholders in
the sector on the mode of fishing methods,
processing and marketing of the products.
(b) To provide useful information for policy
makers and planners in a bid to assist the
stakeholders in the sector.
STUDY METHODOLIGIES
Two methods were tested on the field, the
questionnaires and Participatory Rural Appraisal
(PRA). These two methods were designed to
generate background information on the fishing
methods, processing arid marketing of fish in Ibeju-
Lekki LGA of Lagos State, using Orimedu,
Magbon-Alade and Idasho study sites- There was
dearth of specific information on the subject in the
area and this was the major reason for selecting the
community for this study. However, secondary
sources of background information were gathered
through library search for papers in journals, texts
and reports. Semi-structured interviews were
conducted with the stakeholders fishermen,
processors and/or marketers, fisheries
organization, institutions and NGOs involved in
fisheries.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fb1roduction
Three methods of fish production presently exist in
the three fishing coirmiunities studied. These are
Purse seine net, Multifilament gillnets and the
Monofilament gilinets fisheries. In the early
period of fishing, precisely up till the l97Os when
outboard engines were introduced, the use of hook
and lines, set nets and encircling net methods were
predominant. The hook and line method involved
fishing with baited hooks while the set or encircling
net methods involved setting the net in an area
suspected to be good fish abode and pulling the net
in a circular form to gather the fish and "harvest:.
The activities of the fishermen terminate at the
beach on handing over their landing to the women.
Taking over fish from the fishermen is based on the
arrangements made by the fishermen or boat
owner. Paramount in the mind of the fisherman is
that the quantity of fish he lands is very clear to him
before disposal and his subsequent departure to sea
for another fishing trip.
Fish landing is a very strenuous task for fishermen.
In addition to the sandy beach (landing sites) which
makes it almost impossible for boats to anchor, the
usually rough nature of the beach makes the
discharge of catch difficult. Thus catch is
discharged in the middle of the sea where it is a little
restful. Table 1 shows the quantity of fish produce
over a period of one year (January December
2002), using the different fishing gears in Ibeju
LekkiLGA.
Table 2: Seasonal Calemdar for Fishing Operation for all Types of Gears
Month
___________________________________________
January Peak period for sawa fishing (Sardinella maderensis)
February Peak period for sawa fishing
March Low fishing for all species
April Low fishhig activities
May Peak period for bonga fishing Ethrnalosa.fimbriatq)
June Peak period for bonga fishing
July Very low fishing (rough sea), sharks more available
August Very low fishing (rough sea, sharks more available
September Fishing of bonga cornmmces
October Fishing for bonga continues
November Peak period for sawa fishing Sardinel1a eba,)
December — Peak period for sawa fishing Sardinella ebq)
181
Where the monofilament gill net boats depend on
trawlers for fishing. there are two fishing periods
per day for the pulse seine net and rnultifilament gill
net boats. While the morning trip lasts between
3.OOam and 9.OOam. the afternoon trip is between
6.OOam and 4.OOprn. the distance to the fishing
ground is usually covered within 30 minutes of
sailing. During the slack season, few fishermen
(mainly Ghanaians) migrate with the fish but othrs
are forced to resume "seasonal unemployment" as
they rarely engage in other economic activities.
Boat operation is either by direct owner fisherman
or hired. The source of fund is either through the
personal effort of fisher folks themselves or from
informal self-help groups. Sometimes, technical
advices are obtained from the Lagos State
Agricultural Development Programme and
international NGOs like UNDP, UNIDO. DFID
and IFAD.
Fish Processing and Packaging
(a) Fish Processing Methods:
Fish processing methods are predominantly the same in the three communities studied.
Table 3: Commonly Processed Fish Species at Ibeju-Lekki LGA
Figure I: Flow Diagram for Fish Processing
182
4.
._..____________.4 washing
Bending & holding with sthks
Scientific Name English Name Local Name
Sardinel/ci iuderensis Flat Sardine Sawa
£thmalosc i /mnthriata Bonga Agbdo
Iilishciafricana \Vest African Shad Palarnu
Pseudotholitus senegalensis Croaker Apo
Washing (3 ice)
The fish is ready for smoking after cleaning and washing (using well water). The equipment used is either
round or rectangular mud oven or galvanized plate oven. The galvanized plat ovens are made of iron sheets
or disused 44-gallon drum supported by planks. Wooden sticks are arranged on the drums to hold fish but
are gradually being replaced by iron rods. The women fish processors maintain the mud/drum ovens in what
is called fish (smoking) houses. Each "house" accommodates between three to five ovens depending on
size. They also maintain wells from which water is fetched for cleaning the fish. Over 90% of fish landed
are smoked while the rest is either sold or consumed fresh.
Fish (fresh)
Flat snerd inc & bonga
svell water
—v arranging on kPns
smoking
+
turning & varying fire intensity
depending on moisture
+final drying (23 days)
smoked fish for sale/consumption
4.
croaker
The duration for dry smoking to achieve excellent
dryness of fish is usually between 1 3 days and
wood is the main source of energy for smoking.
Some woods are preferred as the quality of fish
depends on the type of wood used (Gaye et al 998).
The smoked fish can last for upwards of five
months devoid of insect infestation, having been
preserved by dispensing whole dried pepper among
the lot. Fish processing/smoking remains the main
duty of the womenfolk assisted by their children.
(b) Fish Packaging and Storage
Smoked or processed fish is usually left (stored) on
the smoking kiln with small dried pepper dispersed
on them. When the kiln is required for use, the
smoked fish is then packaged and stored in baskets
covered with Hessian sacks. The baskets are made
from raffia palm.
Fish Marketing
Fish marketing, whether fresh or smoked is carried
out predominantly by women. It commences from
the landing site when the fish changes hand from
the fishermen to their wives, landladies/landlords'
183
wives, mothers or concubines. Usually, fish is sold
on the basis of "cash and carry" which negates the
operative system when fresh fish could be bought
sometimes, on credit. Such credit purchases are
inimical to the progress of the fishermen who are
constrained to go to sea due to lack of funds for
fueling, repairs and food.
During slack seasons, fish processors await their
customers (who buy in bulk). But fish is taken to
the market for sale during glut. as
processors/marketers could no longer wait
patiently for their customers. The major markets
include Oju-Olobun, iddo and Otto fish markets.
Others are Mushin, Mile 12 and Ikorodu fish
markets all in Lagos.
The fish marketing/distribution chain which, exists
in Ibeju-Lekki LGA though informal, is well
arranged in such a pattern that has stood the test of
time. Figure 2 is a typical marketing/distribution
chain observed during the study period.
Figure 2: FreshiSrnoked Fish Marketing Channel
Fishermen
Ghanaian fishermen
iandiadIeslwivesliandlords7 wives
other processors
smoking/processing
4,
wholesale
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Gender differentiation in fishing activities in the
Ibeju-Lekki LGA is obvious. While males
dominated fish production, the aspect of fish
processmg and marketing was predominantly
female affair. Each residential building had an
attached fish-smoking house. The roles of children
were mainly in assisting their parents in fishing,
construction of smoking infrastructure and
processing offish.
Disposal of fish is not a major problem except
during glut when fishermen sell on credit and the
processors have to dispose of their smoked fish
early enough, sometimes on credit too, to give room
for the processing of more fish. During this period
of glut, outright burial of spoilt fresh fish is a
common sight. This is due to delayed landing,
absolute absence of icing at sea, lack of
refrigeration facilities and inadequate smoking
infrastructure to cope with the glut.
The Lagos State Agricultural Development
Programme (LSADP), as the fishermen put it, "in
its early stage was of inirnense assistance in the area
of inputs subsidies and teelmical advice, operation
and repair/maintenance of outboard engines". The
"Magbon-Alade fish smoking kiln", designed by
184
the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and
Marine Research for mass smoking of fish was to
tackle post harvest loses due to spoilage of landed
fish which could not processed immediately,
especially during glut. The communities accepted
the equipment, but were limited by costs.
This study showed that the three communities lack
formal cooperative societies and this makes
accessibility to bank credit a mirage. It was
revealed that there was no known case of a fisher
folk-beneficiary of bank credit in the
communities. Individuals source for financial
assistance from informal sources (which are often
not enough) to be able to remain in the fishing
business. There were no cases of insect
infestations of smoked fish during this study and
water for processing was not a problem because
they had dug-wells that supply the households.
However, the processors asserted that during
heavy rains, well water was not clean enough to
wash fish, as it would have been mixed up with
floodwater. Also, there were periods of insect
infestations (in the past), which could destroy
ready smoked fish in which case such product had
to he returned to fire for further smoke drying.
'IT
Indigenous Yoruba fishermen
'4,
Wives/mother/concubine
Smoking/processing
wholesale
retailers -
4'
consumers
From the study, it is obvious that the communities
lack refrigerating facilities for preserving fresh fish
until when required for smoking. /they also lacked
potable water, clearing market for finished
products and formal credit to purchase appropriate
inputs for sustainability.
Aniadi (1989) established the importance of the
artisanal fishery sector in the Nigerian economy, it
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becomes imperative on government to subsidize
fishing inputs, provide potable water, good access
road, reliable electricity supply and credit facilities
at controlledlow-level interest rate for the fishery
sector. The need for a co-operative form of
clearing market for smoked fish and the enabling
environment for NGO's participation towards
further improvement of fish production need to be
over emphasized.
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PaperNo. 17 pp.3 9.
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Small-scale fish production, processing and marketing in Ibeju-lekki local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria

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Small-scale fish production, processing and marketing in Ibeju-lekki local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria

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