USAID/COMFISH: Value chain analyses identify entry points and opportunities for improving wealth and equity all along the value chain from the beginning point (boats, equipment and fishing) to the end (landing, processing, transport, and sales.) Work on value chain enhancement was undertaken in sites where the project was developing sustainable management plans. A special focus was to increase the value added for small-scale and traditional women processors.

Socio-economic activities for the benefit of women processors were carried out with the aim of improving their working conditions and increasing revenues from their activities. They included a capacity-building program (functional literacy courses, climate change training, hygiene and sanitation, leadership training, marketing, and improved production, storage, packaging and labeling practices); developing and implementing Code of Conduct Charters; establishing health committees; exchanges with other USAID projects; trade shows; and revolving credit programs. The project trained more than 4,700 women in the fish processing value chain in 15 processing sites.

The Cayar artisanal processing unit is the first to be approved in Senegal by the Department of Fisheries Processing Industries (DITP) for the export of its products to the European Union. Price per unit weight of Cayar packaged fish products increased three-fold with improved product quality, packaging and establishment of the Cayar product label.

USAID/COMFISH Plus: The project is carrying on the legacy of the earlier project by continuing to support and scale up to other landing sites activities including: adoption of local fish processing Charters; training and support to increase the leadership role of women in fisheries; establishment of hygiene committees; improvements in the quality of products, packaging, and storage; and improved sanitation and hygienic practices.  COMFISH Plus will also expand on the successful savings and loan pilot established at the Cayar women’s processing GIE to establish women-based community savings and
loan in at least 5 new landing areas. The project will monitor the implementation of business management plan and operations at the Cayar women’s processing GIE and provide training and technical assistance where needed.