Fishing communities in Mozambique are embracing solar dryers, a game-changing technology for fish preservation. This innovation is improving food security, reducing fish losses, and addressing environmental challenges in a country struggling with malnutrition and climate-related crises.
Solar Dryers: A Modern Solution
Traditional methods of fish drying in Mozambique often led to contamination and significant losses, especially during the rainy season. Fish were dried on the ground, exposed to sand, pests, and floods, resulting in wastage and reduced quality.
The introduction of solar dryers is changing this narrative. These structures function like greenhouses, allowing fish to dry on shelves in a protected environment. This method prevents contamination and reduces drying time, enhancing the efficiency and safety of fish preservation.
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. Plans are underway to build 11 additional dryers, which will benefit around 1,000 fish processors. This expansion will further improve food safety and enhance the livelihoods of fishing communities. Community involvement is a key focus of the initiative. Fishers and processors are actively engaged in the construction and use of solar dryers. This approach ensures acceptance and fosters long-term sustainability.
Benefits of Solar Dryers
Solar dryer offers several advantages over traditional methods. Drying time is cut from two days to just one, even for small fish that are more affordable for consumers. The dryers also reduce losses caused by pests, contamination, and rain, ensuring a higher yield and better quality fish.
According to Alberto, the technology has reduced fish losses by 20%, contributing significantly to food security in the region. By improving preservation methods, a solar dryer extends the shelf life of fish, making it easier to transport and sell the product in markets.
The environmental impact is another major benefit. A solar dryer relies 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
The project faces challenges in encouraging community investment and highlighting the long-term benefits of solar dryers. To overcome this, it offers training on handling practices and involves fishers in developing the technology. Additionally, it addresses policy gaps in Mozambique’s fishing sector, focusing on issues like commercialization and enforcement. This is done through collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries to build a strong business case for solar dryer technology.
The success of solar drying in Mozambique offers valuable lessons for other countries. In Malawi, similar models involve community participation and savings groups, ensuring sustainability. Users pay for the dryers’ use, creating a self-sustaining system. This model could be replicated in West African countries, where electricity shortages pose challenges for food preservation. Solar drying provides a reliable, eco-friendly solution for rural areas, producing high-quality fish with a long shelf life.
Alberto envisions a future where solar dryers become a staple in fish preservation across Mozambique. 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 introduction of solar dryers in Mozambique is improving fish preservation, food security, and sustainability in fishing communities. By addressing challenges and scaling up the technology, the project is set to strengthen food systems and support economic growth in rural areas.