Fish product development and market trials of fish and fish products in Kenya: a case study of Kirinyaga and Meru Counties

Abstract

Post harvest losses in fish are one of the major challenges to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, consumers in rural areas consume fresh fish due to limited and/or lack of knowledge on other alternative fish products. In an effort to contribute towards addressing the issue of limited alternatives on fish value added products and deterioration of fish quality, a study was conducted to develop,test and assess acceptability of the new products in two Kenyan markets. This was achieved first by training fish traders, youth and women on recipe, product development and value addition inventions of fish products. The diversified fish products developed were catfish samosas, catfish fingers, catfish balls, smoked catfish and whole deep fried catfish. Majority of consumers (50%) preferred fish fingers and samosas compared to other products from both markets.Marketing trial results indicate that traders can make profit ranging from 25% to 100% from selling catfish samosas, fingers, smoked and whole deep fried catfish after excluding cost of production. Market trials results indicated that, fish and fish products are highly acceptable health products and both male and female consumers preferred the diversified fish products. All the products bought by the buyers were reported to be delicious in taste(91.7%) and (75.6%) from both Kerugoya and Meru markets respectively. This study has also provided some important information regarding acceptance of developed diversified fish products and this can be useful for researchers and entrepreneurs in developing marketing of aquaculture produce.