Betina Tito, transform fish processing with FAO’s FISH4ACP

KIGOMA: At the Kibirizi fish landing site in Kigoma, Betina Tito, commonly known as Bilo, has transformed her life and livelihood through the FAO’s FISH4ACP programme.

As a fish processor, Betina has seen first-hand how the initiative has not only improved her skills but also changed the way she works—opening doors to prosperity that were once unimaginable.

Before the programme, Betina, like many others in her community, used outdated methods of fish drying that exposed products to dust and contaminants.

“We used to dry fish on the ground, which led to poor hygiene and lower-quality products,” she recalls.

But with the training and equipment provided by FISH4ACP, Betina has embraced better preservation techniques.

One of the key improvements was the construction of a solar tent and the installation of an FAO Thiaroye Technique (FTT) oven at her residence.

Completed in May 2024 at a cost of 6m/- , these facilities have revolutionized the way Betina processes sardines and sprat. “I expect to break even within a year,” she says confidently.

Betina’s new facilities have also become a valuable resource for other fish processors in her community. For 10,000/- per box (containing five to six buckets of sardines), others can use her modern drying equipment.

“These solar dryers and racks have improved hygiene and the quality of the products, making them more marketable,” she explains.

Her business model is versatile, catering to diverse customer demands.

“Some clients prefer sardines dried in the sun, which are less expensive, while others want oven-dried sardines or even those fried with salt and spices, which are more costly,” she says.

This flexibility has allowed her to meet the varied needs of her growing customer base.

Beyond fish, Betina’s oven is also used to prepare chicken for weddings and other events. She charges 30,000/- to prepare 50 chickens, further diversifying her income stream.

Thanks to the FISH4ACP programme, Betina has not only enhanced her business but also improved her financial management skills.

“The training in business skills, accounting, and financial literacy has been invaluable. I’ve been able to save, invest, and even build a new house, which is nearing completion,” she shares.

In addition, she has purchased a Bajaj (auto-rickshaw) and a motorcycle, both of which generate additional income through taxi services.

A broader impact: FISH4ACP in Kigoma

The FAO’s FISH4ACP programme has made significant strides in supporting small-scale fishers and processors in Tanzania, particularly in the Lake Tanganyika region, where fisheries like sardine, sprat, and perch provide livelihoods for over 27,000 fishers and 11,000 processors.

Funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, FISH4ACP has introduced modern fish-handling techniques, such as solar dryers and FTT ovens, to reduce post-harvest losses and increase revenues for fish processors like Betina.

In addition to improving processing technologies, the programme focuses on building capacity and business skills, helping participants reduce long-standing challenges such as post-harvest losses and limited access to markets.

This training has allowed women, who make up the majority of fish processors in Tanzania, to better navigate the business landscape and access microfinance institutions for the first time.

Women in the Lake Tanganyika region have also faced challenges like poor access to capital, workplace abuse, and harassment. Through FISH4ACP, they have formed cooperatives and associations to protect their interests, gain financial access, and strengthen their positions in the marketplace.

Ensuring sustainable fisheries

FISH4ACP is making a lasting contribution to food security, job creation, and environmental sustainability in Kigoma. By promoting modern technologies, business skills, and the empowerment of women, the programme is helping small-scale fishers and processors improve their livelihoods and ensure the sustainable management of fishery resources.

Tanzania is the primary producer of sardine, sprat, and perch from Lake Tanganyika, accounting for up to 85 per cent of the lake’s annual catches.

ALSO READ: FISH4ACP boosts optimism for Lake Tanganyika’s fishers

However, these fisheries face threats from climate change, poor fishing methods, illegal practices, and post-harvest losses.

The FISH4ACP programme addresses these issues by supporting sustainable practices and securing the future of Lake Tanganyika’s fisheries.