VI.4. Extension services and training

The provision of training and supporting services to fishermen and small-scale fish processors will generally be needed in order to induce the latter expand the supply of fresh and cured fish, and to increase productivity and incomes. Training and supporting services should preferably be under the responsibility of a fisheries department in close collaboration with rural development agencies and technology institutions.

Supporting services should include the provision of credit, assistance in the procurement of various materials and equipment (e.g. salt, fuel, packaging material, fishing gear), marketing assistance, advice on the design and setting-up of fish processing units, etc. In the case of fish processing, training may cover the following aspects; improved processing techniques and handling of fish in order to minimise spoilage before and during processing, packaging of cured fish, maintenance of good hygienic conditions, simple management techniques, etc.

Supporting services and training should be provided by extension officers assisted, whenever necessary, by specialists from the fisheries department. These extension officers should be trained as generalists to the extent that they should be able to identify the very diverse problems faced by the fishing communities, propose solutions and secure the necessary assistance from experts, local authorities, etc. The extension service should preferably be a branch of the fisheries department. Whenever feasible, one extension officer should serve approximately 500 production units (fishermen and small-scale fish processors). In addition, a number of supervisors and specialists from the department should be available for the overall coordination of the extension service, training of extension officers, and provision of specialised assistance (e.g. fish processing techniques such as drying, smoking, etc.)