Kenya: Tana fishermen root for processing plant to change fortunes

Fishermen in Tana River have called on the county administration and non-governmental organizations to help in establishing a fish processing plant to save them from losses. According to the farmers, more than 7,000 tonnes of fish go to waste every season leaving them and their families daunted. The farmers noted that with a fish processing plant, they will add value to fish that usually go to waste, creating more access to the market. "We have gone through various training on processing fish for export, especially canned fish and dried fish. What we lack is the plant with the required equipment," said Isah Mohammed. Out of 1,500 fishermen in the county, barely 300 manage to get their fish through the competitive coastal market, leaving more than 1,200 at the mercy of the local consumers. They end up selling the fish for less than half the market price. "Lately, when your catch fails to make sales, you have no choice but to eat it with your family and sometimes throw away what is ...