Evaluating Post-Harvest Fish Losses in Artisanal Anchovies (Stolephorus spp.) Value Chain at Shimoni Landing Site, Kwale County, Kenya

Artisanal small pelagic fisheries are vital to livelihoods, food security, and the coastal economy of Kwale County, Kenya. The anchovy fishery (Stolephorus spp.) represents a high-volume catch harvested nightly using surrounding (ring) nets. However, anchovies are highly susceptible to Post-Harvest Fish Losses (PHFL) due to their delicate physical structure and rapid perishability.

This study evaluated the scope, causes, and socioeconomic impacts of physical, quality, and market-force losses along the anchovy value chain at the Shimoni landing site. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were collected from key value chain actors including fishers, traders, and female processors, who constitute approximately 80% of the post-harvest workforce.

Preliminary findings indicate that the absence of onboard chilling and inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, including non-functional ice-making equipment at the landing site, contribute to significant quality deterioration. Market-force losses are pronounced during peak landing periods and favourable monsoon seasons when supply surpluses exceed processing capacity. Limited availability of improved solar drying racks and reliance on traditional boiling methods further constrain processing, often compelling actors to discard spoiled fish or sell at heavily discounted prices.

These inefficiencies negatively affect fisher incomes and regional nutrition outcomes. The study recommends targeted investments in climate-resilient solar drying technologies, expanded regional cold-chain access, and structured fish handling training for women-led processing groups. Addressing these systemic constraints is essential to unlocking the full socioeconomic potential of Kenya's marine blue economy.