In Mozambique, fishing communities are embracing solar dryers, a game-changing technology for preserving fish. This innovation improves food security and reduces losses while helping address environmental challenges in a country that struggles with malnutrition and climate-related crises.
Solar Dryers: A Modern Solution
Traditional fish drying methods in Mozambique often led to contamination and significant losses, especially during the rainy season. Fish were typically dried on the ground, leaving them exposed to sand, pests, and floods—a practice that caused waste and reduced quality.
The introduction of solar dryers is changing that dynamic. These greenhouse-like structures allow fish to dry on shelves inside a protected environment, preventing contamination and cutting down on drying time. The result is a preservation method that is both safer and more efficient.
Joao Alberto, project manager for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), explained that the technology was adapted for Mozambique with the help of Malawian experts. “The solar dryers are already benefiting four fishing communities in central and northern Mozambique, with 150 fishers adopting the technology,” he said.
The project aims to scale up the use of solar dryers across Mozambique, with plans to build 11 additional units that will benefit around 1,000 fish processors. This expansion will improve food safety and enhance the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Community involvement is also a key focus. To ensure long-term sustainability, the initiative actively engages fishers and processors in the construction and use of the dryers.
Benefits of Solar Dryers
Solar dryers offer several advantages over traditional methods. They cut the drying time from two days to just one—even for the small fish most affordable for consumers. The dryers also reduce losses from pests, contamination, and rain, which leads to a higher yield and better-quality fish.
According to Alberto, the technology has already reduced fish losses by 20%, contributing significantly to the region’s food security. The improved preservation also extends the shelf life of fish, making it easier to transport and sell in markets.
The environmental benefits are also significant. Solar dryers rely on renewable energy, reducing the ecological footprint of fish processing. This innovation aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
“So far, the feedback has been positive,” Alberto said. “Fishing communities are eager to see more dryers introduced, even in areas where the technology is already in use.”
Challenges and Solutions
Still, the project faces challenges in encouraging community investment and demonstrating the long-term benefits of the dryers. To overcome this, the initiative provides training on proper handling practices and involves fishers in the technology’s development.
It also addresses policy gaps in Mozambique’s fishing sector. By focusing on issues like commercialization and enforcement, the project collaborates with the National Institute of Fisheries to build a strong business case for the technology.
Mozambique’s success with solar drying offers valuable lessons for other countries. Similar models in Malawi involve community participation and savings groups to ensure sustainability, where users pay for the dryers’ use to create a self-sustaining system.
This approach could be replicated in West African countries, where electricity shortages challenge food preservation. For rural areas, solar drying provides a reliable, eco-friendly solution that produces high-quality fish with a long shelf life.
Alberto envisions a future where solar dryers become a staple in fish preservation across Mozambique. He believes that over the next four to six years, the technology could significantly reduce fish losses and improve food security. “Sustainability is key,” Alberto emphasized. “This technology not only supports fishers but also helps protect the environment by reducing pressure on ecosystems.”
The adoption of solar dryers in Mozambique is boosting fish preservation, food security, and sustainability in its fishing communities. As the project addresses challenges and scales up the technology, it is poised to strengthen food systems and support economic growth in rural areas.
