GIZ ECOWAS FRSD inaugurates Solar Fish Dryer in Kartong

 

Author: Pa Modou Cham

German Development Cooperation (GIZ) ECOWAS Fund for Regional Stabilization and Development (FRSD), on Monday, inaugurated the first-ever solar-powered fish drying rack for women fish processors at Kartong Fish Landing Site.

The solar tunnel dryer was part of the GIZ Micro-Enterprise Startup Support Initiative (MESSI) mini-grant scheme implemented in partnership with the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions in The Gambia (NACCUG). In addition to the Solar Dryer, the women received small equipment and appliances to enhance fish preparation, handling and hygiene.  

Speaking during the inauguration, Ms Evelin Ayadi-Krenzer, AV FRSD explained that fishing and fish processing are part of the economic ecosystem of Kartong which also shares a nature border with Senegal. She added that Kartong is one of the coastal communities along with Gunjur, Tanji, Banjul and Barra where the ECOWAS FRSD project has supported women and youth engaged in the fishery value chain.

“I am happy to be here to officially unveil the solar fish dryer that our project has provided as a contribution to make this community more economically productive. It is great to see an example of technology transpire from my country contributing such an important goal here,” she stated while reiterating that they have provided the solar fish dryer as part of their MISSI mini-grant starter-kit scheme to contribute not only to increase income for women processors but to also improve safety and quality of dried fish that is consumed in the Gambia.

“It is reassuring to note that with our support, Gambians will have access to safer and better quality dry fish with greater possibility for export to Gambians in the Diaspora. The solar dryer also makes it possible for women to dry fish even during the rainy season, thereby, increasing their productivity and income,” she added.

MS Evelin hopes that this GIZ innovation will be replicated throughout coastal fishing communities and rural areas to increase food security.

Mariama Ascroff of GIZ ECOWAS FRSD expressed delight and gratitude that their gesture has come to this level while hoping the women will make very good use of the dryer tunnel.

She said: “This is the first one we have done and it serves as a pilot. We also do realize that there is a lot of work to be done to fit the model from which it was copied.

Mariama Njie, a beneficiary, thanked the donors for such a great initiative in their community while underscoring the importance of the tunnel relating to their daily hustles. She emphasized that the dryer tunnel will contribute immensely to their health, saying they used to dry their fish in open places that attract dust and flies.

Ousman Bojang, Government of West Coast Region backed women voices within the fishing coastal site and commended them for their contribution to the economic advancement of their families. He said: “Our women are the breadwinners of the society and to see what they do is commendable. Everything they do is for the benefit of their family.”