Authors : O.A. Davies , R.M. Davies and D.O. Bekibele
Abstract: The study assessed the status of fish processing technologies to ascertain the level of mechanization and to know the various processing methods available. Also, it evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of various processing techniques and assessed the contribution of women to the post harvest fish processing in Rivers State, Nigeria. This information was gathered using structured questionnaires, which was designed and administered between November 2007 and January 2008. A total of 3 traditional techniques of processing of fish were observed: rafter 6(6%); drum oven 72(73%) and mud oven 21(21%) and their energy sources were firewood or charcoal. The majority of the traditional fish processors (84%) were illiterates and post harvest losses ranged between 7 and 10%. The two different types of processing machines observed were kiln 5(33%) and dryer 10(67%) and their sources of energy were electricity, firewood/wood shaving, charcoal and gas. Some kilns and dryers had combined energy sources for their operations. The kilns and dryers had capacities ranging from 75-400 kg day-1 and price range of 45,000- 430,000. The major factors that were taken into consideration before the purchase of machines by the processors were ruggedness (40%), cost (30%) and the least was multi purpose uses (5%). Women involvement in traditional method of fish processing was 100%, while modern technology was 67%. The mechanization tool level (MTL) was 13%.
O.A. Davies , R.M. Davies and D.O. Bekibele , 2008. Fish Processing Technologies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3: 548-552.