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Profitability and trade-offs in the use of the FAO-Thiaroye processing technique (FTT) in Ghana

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 96 p.

Author Charway, G.N.A.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-137854-0

Synopsis (short abstract) The FAO-Thiaroye Processing Technique (FTT) was introduced in Ghana in 2014 following an earlier initiative by FAO, in collaboration with the Centre National de Formation des Techniciens de Pêche et de l’Aquaculture (National Training Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture Technicians, CNFTPA) in Senegal, to reduce post-harvest losses in small-scale fisheries and support the production of healthy fishery products. Since its introduction to Ghana, and with continuous collaboration from the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, FAO has constructed or provided assistance for the construction of FTT units for 13 fish processor groups and 15 individuals in four regions of Ghana – Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Western and Western North. A gap analysis was undertaken to understand the extent of, and the barriers to, the adoption, development, introduction and dissemination of the FTT in Ghana. The assessment combined both desk survey and field study of some traditional and FTT smoking facilities. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. The adoption of the FTT was determined and data from field surveys was analysed using simple graphs. From the results of the cost–benefit analysis, it was deduced that the FTT is better placed and superior to the Chorkor kilns in terms of economic profitability in ensuring the well-being of both processor and consumer; and financial profitability and return on investment. With the above inferences from the findings and lessons learned from visits to some of the FTT processing facilities, key recommendations were made and it is anticipated that these will enable future investments and the adoption and wider use of the FTT by more processors.

Cite this content as:

Charway, G.N.A. 2023. Profitability and trade-offs in the use of the FAO-Thiaroye Processing Technique (FTT) in Ghana. Rome, FAO. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc5786en

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Language English

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