Synthesis of Constraints on Oyster Harvesting, Processing, and Marketing

Knowledge of the state of the resources oyster stocks is vital to any management and development efforts in the oyster industry. That is why the TOWA Association, Department of Fisheries, Water Resources Board and the USAID Ba Nafaa project are partnering to research and test culture and growing techniques, water quality sampling, seasonal spat production, and engaging a process of co­management, as well as supporting this value chain analysis.

7.0 Synthesis of Constraints on Oyster Harvesting, Processing, and Marketing

Constraints of oyster harvesters are diverse but could be grouped to fall under their different livelihoods assets: those related to the natural assets resources based, physical assets infrastructure related, financial assets, human personal well being and technical and social assets related constraints and include the following that were identified by the study Table 29 Table 29: Constraints in the oyster harvesting industry classified according to livelihoods assets Constraint Area Nature of constraints Natural assets related constraints ­ Depletion of the oyster resources due to increased entry and destructive methods of harvesting ­ Limited oyster resources and short production period Physical assets related ­ Inadequate number of harvesting canoes and accessories paddles, constraints poles, ropes etc. ­ Lack of supportive infrastructure and facilities including processing rooms with proper equipment, handling and processing equipment, and sanitary facilities including water and hygiene facilities ­ Lack of appropriate handling equipment and facilities such as plastic containers, cooling and cold storage facilities ­ Lack of proper retail sales space in local markets ­ Difficulty in transportation of harvested oysters to the processing site and in finding transport to markets and back home from some processing sites after the day’s work ­ Lack of appropriate protective clothing for the various operations harvesting, processing and marketing of products including appropriate protective shoes, gloves, life jacket, overalls etc. Financial assets related constraints ­ Inadequate off­season livelihood opportunities ­ Lack of access to micro­finance Human technical ­ Lack of hygiene training assets related constraints ­ Need for increased awareness and basic training in food handling and safety control ­ Lack of supportive research including in oyster growth and culture techniques 45 ­ Inadequate training on oyster culture methods and practices Social assets related constraints ­ Theft of oysters and processing materials at landing and processing sites due to lack security and an absence of storage facilities ­ Sexual harassment of oyster harvesters and processors by men ­ Weak organization of oyster harvesters ­ Inadequate institutional support and services

8.0 Opportunities and Recommended Priority Actions