Innovative Dagaa Fish Drying Facility Addressing Ongoing Challenges in Lake Victoria

Post-harvest loss of dagaa (small pelagic fish) remains a persistent challenge in Lake Victoria communities, largely due to traditional open sun-drying methods that are highly dependent on weather conditions, expose fish to contamination, and reduce overall quality. In response to this ongoing issue, Blue Victoria has successfully established an innovative dagaa fish drying facility in Rukuba Island, serving as a practical learning model for local fishers and processors.

We have successfully installed a modern drying facility in Rubuka, Mara Region, serving as a demonstration site for sustainable fish processing. In addition, at Mswahili Beach in Mwanza Region, we introduced an improved drying structure using square pipes covered with typoline sheets to protect fish from rain and moisture.

Training on how to manage cattles

These innovations require minimal sun energy, allowing faster drying while maintaining high quality and hygiene standards. The improved systems reduce post-harvest losses, increase efficiency, and enhance the market value of dagaa. By protecting fish from environmental exposure, they also strengthen climate resilience among fishing communities. This approach is already showing positive impact, with local fishers beginning to adopt improved methods. Blue Victoria continues to promote these solutions as scalable models for sustainable fisheries and improved livelihoods across the Lake Victoria Basin.