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499

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.7, No.7

Publication Date: July 25, 2020

DOI:10.14738/assrj.77.8672.

Ankoma-Sey, F., Ewedji, C., Adjei, R. G., Ahiafakpor, M. (2020). Solutions To Logistics Challenges Faced By Fishmongers In Handling And

Distributing Processed Fish. A Case Study Of Anyanui And Keta Districts Of Ghana. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7)

499-513.

Solutions To Logistics Challenges Faced By Fishmongers In Handling

And Distributing Processed Fish. A Case Study Of Anyanui And Keta

Districts Of Ghana

Felicity Ankoma – Sey

Regional Maritime University,

Accra, Ghana.

Christabel Ewedji

Regional Maritime University,

Accra, Ghana.

Richard Gyasi Adjei

Regional Maritime University,

Accra, Ghana.

Micheal Ahiafakpor

Regional Maritime University,

Accra, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

The study sought simple indigenous logistics solutions to challenges

faced by fishmongers with respect to the handling and distribution of

processed fish in the Anyanui and Keta Districts of Ghana. It aimed at

designing a handling and distribution unit (HADU) to substitute the

conical frustum shaped basket (kenten), which is traditionally used for

the purpose. This was a follow-up to a research that sort to curtail

identified challenges, including improper stowage, perceived

overloading, listing of cargo on transport vehicle, crushing and

contamination of the processed fish during transit. Observation, simple

mathematical calculations, interviews and experimental testing were

employed in the study. The researchers’ considered designing a HADU

with characteristics similar to the intermodal ISO container. The HADU

was to be appropriate for transporting the processed fish by standard

tricycles, trucks, and water crafts. Its volume was calculated to be

equivalent to that of the kenten, so as to preserve the measurements of

products per unit traditionally supplied to customers, thus not

complicating the pricing of contents per unit HADU for the traders. With

height 40 cm, length 43 cm and width 56 cm, the resultant cuboidal

shaped HADU, had handles, corner posts with extensions and corner

fitting spaces. The HADU could be loaded in larger numbers on various

sizes of trucks and tricycles compared to the kenten. It also solved the

in-transit logistics challenges when stacked at a recommended

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Ankoma-Sey, F., Ewedji, C., Adjei, R. G., Ahiafakpor, M. (2020). Solutions To Logistics Challenges Faced By Fishmongers In Handling And Distributing

Processed Fish. A Case Study Of Anyanui And Keta Districts Of Ghana. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7) 499-513.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.77.8672 500

maximum height of three. Upon its acceptance by the fishmongers, the

HADU’s concept was recommended to be sold to basket weavers, to try

raw materials other than cane, which will lower its production cost.

Keywords: Handling and distribution unit (HADU), conical frustum shaped

basket (kenten), indigenous logistics solutions.

INTRODUCTION

World small-scale fishing industry

“From ancient times, fishing has been a major source of food for humanity and a provider of

employment and economic benefits to those who engaged in this activity” [1]. It was reported that

small-scale or artisanal fishing industry generated significant profits and made meaningful

contributions to poverty alleviation and food security in developing economies [1]. Small-scale

fisheries industry described, was an evolving sector which employed labor intensive harvesting,

processing and traditional distribution techniques to exploit maritime fishery resources [1].

The main activity of fishing gave rise to other downstream fish processing activities such as

smoking, salting, drying, packaging, transportation and marketing. Processed products from the

small-scale fishing industry was often sold in local and domestics markets. However, export- oriented production from that industry was noted to be a growing feature in the last three or more

decades, where export values globally rose from US$ 15 billion through US$ 56 billion during the

period [1]. The application of prudent logistics systems, including the use of suitable packaging and

transportation units; could no doubt have contributed to the successes stories of the export of fish

products from the main producing economies to international markets.

Small scale fishing in Ghana

Small scale fishing in Ghana has been a traditional occupation for a significant population in the

country. For decades, fishmongers serving in this artisanal industry along river banks and on the

coastline have been key players in the processing, distribution, and trade of the harvested fish.

Their services accounted for a significant proportion of fish products that could be found in the

markets of the country. Fish products from this industry is also exported to neighboring countries

[2]. Yet this industry does not appear to have developed much in terms of their practices and

procedures. Fishmongers may not maximize earnings from their hard work as there appear to be

very little improvement in their logistics processes over the years.

A follow-up research was conducted by [3] on findings of Quarcoo’s et al in 2014, whose research

advocated for the development of a good logistics system to support the indigenous industry of

fishmongers in the Keta and Anyanui areas of the Volta Region, Ghana. According to [3], Quarcoo’s

team noted that the fishmongers encountered problems with storage and distribution of dried and

smoked fish. Furthermore, improper packaging and stowing of the processed fish on the various

mode of transport was a cause of breaking and crushing of the processed fish whilst in transit to

various points of sale. Other problems were contamination of fish products with dust and/or mold.

All the above lowered the value of the processed fish at the markets. [3] captured a recommendation

made by Quarcoo’s team, which was: - the need to design and construct a cuboidal shaped basket to

replace the conical frustum shaped basket (kenten), traditionally used for storing and transporting

processed fish. This particular recommendation propelled the desire of [3] to design a workable

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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol.7, Issue 7, July-2020

unit with unique features comparable to the ISO shipping container, which should eradicate the

challenges associated with the transportation and distribution of processed fish from the Keta and

Anyanui districts to markets in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Further expectations were for

the unit to make the logistics processes more professional and appealing.

OVERVIEW OF LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

The common goal of logistics activities is to facilitate the movement of international or local traded

commodities in ways that stakeholders will realize satisfaction derived from time, form, place or

possession utilities [4]. In a much broader sense, logistics is widely used in the business sector to

refer to how traded commodities are handled and moved along supply chains. Supply chains are set

in motion with orders from suppliers for raw materials, passing through semi-finished processing

to finished production, consumption and the disposal of generated wastes in sustainable ways [4].

Logistics activities include but are not limited to the packaging, storage, transportation and

distribution of products in supply chains, incorporating the appropriate ‘just – in – time’ principles.

Once the activities are optimally coordinated, customers derive value for money and maximum

satisfaction [4].

Principles and researches associated with logistics so often point to, or are applied in formal

international business transactions. But noting that many of the world’s largest multinational

businesses started as informal micro businesses and further noting that small antique shops are

able to sell their products globally, it brought to light the importance of introducing innovations tied

up with professionalism into the logistics aspects of supply chains for indigenous industries mostly

found in developing economies. Those were thought to be the main strategy to experience the much

required sustainability and growth of the industries and the economies. In such instances, value

addition could be realized that may make the local l products more appealing to home customers

and further increase their demand on international markets. The culminating impacts on an

economies could be expanded businesses, more jobs and wealth creation for the sustenance and

growth.

PROCESS WITHIN THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF GHANA’S SMALL-SCALE FISHING INDUSTRY

Appendices a demonstrate how some producers package, stack and stow fish products from small

scale producing communities and transport them to markets in other regions of Ghana. Though the

contents of the packages are expertly processed and of qualities that are comparable to similar

products traded worldwide, the approaches to the management of the related logistics highly

reduces the value of the products at the markets. The unprofessional haphazard logistics approach

significantly contributes to the breakage, contamination of fish product, low loading capacity of

packaged product on transporting vehicles as well as the instability or listing of transport vehicles

whilst in transit. In fact, the appearance of some of the loaded trucks as they arrive in the markets

made the very nutritious fish products simply unappealing for human consumption. So many buy

such products to be used for animal feed.

Proposed solutions to the logistics challenges

The common goal of logistics activities is to facilitate the movement of international or local traded

commodities in ways that stakeholders will realize satisfaction derived from time, form, place or

possession utilities [4]. In a much broader sense, logistics is widely used in the business sector to

refer to how traded commodities are handled and moved along supply chains. Supply chains are set