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Momodou
Denmark
11787 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2008 : 20:56:26
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Dried And Smoked Fish Processors Speak Out
By Modou Jonga
Lack of electricity and water are impacting negatively on the businesses of ordinary fishmongers at Gunjur, this paper has learnt .This reporter went to Gunjur on Tuesday, 15 January to talk to the fishmongers and to enquire about the challenges they face in their trade.
Fatou Bojang, a smoked and dried fish seller, said that she buys fish from the fishermen at the seaside at Gunjur and that three “Kunkelungho’’ (catfish) cost D20 to D40, depending on its availability in the market.
She said drying and smoking fish consume time and is tedious. She lamented the high price of fish and urged the fishermen to reduce their prices as they depend on the fish selling business to meet their household needs, including the payment of school fees for their children. She noted the frequent shortage of fish supply, which she said affects their businesses.
One Ara Sanneh, another smoked and dried fish processor, said a basket of catfish costs her D1000 or D1400, depending on its availability or scarcity on a given day.
She said she buys fish from the fishermen at Gunjur; that the work that is involved in the drying and smoking of fish is extremely tedious; that she sells her dried and smoked fish at the Serekunda Market. She said that on rare occasions they have contracts to sell their smoked and dried fish to the United Kingdom.
She explained how the lack electricity and transport facilities are affecting their business. She also complained about the lack of a competitive market to sell their products.
Another processed fish seller, Mariama Manjang, said that the price of fish is more often dictated by its availability or scarcity. She said when the catch is good, a pan of “Chalo” or Bonga would cost between D100 and D150, but when there is shortage of fish, a pan can sometimes cost between D200 and D250. She said they often sell their fish at either the Brikama or Serekunda markets.
She lamented the lack of access to the international market. She said an access to the market abroad can help alleviate their constraints. Awa Sey, a woman fishmonger, expressed the same thing and noting that the lack of electricity, water supply and financial assistance is hindering their business.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 007/2008, 17 January 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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tapalapa
United Kingdom
202 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2008 : 23:17:01
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How can we help to get people interested in importing Bonga in the UK
I will be happy to assist but don`t as yet understand the ins and outs of importing fish
Someone give me a steer and I will take it forward
Tapa |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2008 : 09:14:50
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The first step would be to visit Brufut and see the set up and make contacts there. The have investment from Japan for refrigeration (I THINK?) Lorries arive there to take fish to Holland, Uk, China etc.
However on a wider note, the smoke room conditions are dreadful. It is not a healthy job to be involved with. I would be interested to know life expectancy for the women working in this trade.
Thinking about life expectacny is a luxury that poor people across the world dont have. They need to make a living in the immediate future. There could be potential to expand at gunjur if Brufut is declining due to Ghanaians going home. That would please the President. JOBS FOR HIS OWN! (Racist talk!    ). |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2008 : 15:30:26
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Bev the life expectancy is low. the smoke room need to be brought upto date. as for export they can run rings around people if you show interest.
try asking how to export food from gambia to Europe, everyone knows someone but for a fee they will help you , introduction. it would be easier to find the information from this end, where is the destination and approach from there. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2008 : 23:45:27
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Customs have stopped the importation of smpked fish coming in from Gambia to the UK. A contact of mine was trying to import smoked fish into the UK was unable to in 05. Maybe some others can update the info.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jan 2008 : 09:47:15
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| for some strange reason it can be imported via third countries such as amsterdam or morroco |
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