Post-Harvest means the activities that occur from the time the fish is caught, trapped or harvested up to consumption.

In recent years, fish has become a subject of global demand, dynamically one of the most developing sectors of the food industry. But unfortunately, most Gambian families do not have the purchasing power of the most sophisticated and richly proteinous fish.

Coastal Countries, like the Gambia, have taken advantage of the newly emerging opportunities, bringing to light investment in modern technologies in the harvesting and processing of fish, so as to meeting both national and international demand for fish and fisheries products. In the 1980s, however, it became apparent that fisheries resources could no longer sustain the rapid and uncontrolled exploitations, which prompted the employment of new approaches to fisheries development. The situation became worsened due to the fact that those who are taking part in the fishing sector are marginalized as the last resort in the communities.

Being conscious of the important developments in the industry at the global level, the FAO recommended the formation of a global Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), which, in a non-mandatory manner, establishes principles and standard applications in the management and development of all fisheries products.

This Code was unanimously adopted by the FAO member states on 31 October 1995. It provides a framework for national and international efforts to ensure sustainable exploitation and use of aquatic living resources in harmony with the environment and in consistence with the needs of those people dependent on the sector.

The Code also provides principles and standards applicable to all aspects of fisheries, including mode of catching fish, processing and trade of fish and fisheries products, as well as fishing operations, aquaculture and fisheries research and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management.

The exploitation and management of Gambian fisheries resources are pursued as much as possible with due regard to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Gambian component authorities for fisheries have espoused the principles of the Code and this is reflected in the new laws and regulations that have been promulgated in the fisheries sector. Much effort has been put in the past to sensitise and inform fishermen in The Gambia on the Code and there are signs that these have begun to yield fruits, since they are increasingly manifesting responsible fishing practices. However, much more efforts are further needed to strengthen them.

Due to the strict adherence to the rules of the Code, wastage of fish in is rare. But due to poor harvest facilities available in The Gambia and the African continent as a whole, there are still so many losses in the value of fish between capture and before consumption. With the Gambia-Japan sophisticated fish storage and processing project coming soon in Brikama, the issue of left over fish that find their way into the trash cans each day would surely be history. The issue of discarded fish and fisheries products most predominantly happens in the tropical countries of Africa, where high temperatures leads to spoilage while still in the boat, at landing, during storage or at the market.   

In Africa, some estimates put post-harvest fish losses at 20 to 25 per cent. And some times it escalates to even 50 per cent.

Men and women of the coastal areas of The Gambia, in areas such as Sanyang, Gunjur, Tanji, Bakau and Banjul have for generations derived their livelihood from fishing and related activities. Fish has been an important part of the diet and the culture of the Gambian people, especially in the coastal and riverside areas. While part of the fish is consumed fresh, another part has been processed in diverse ways- salted, fermented and smoked. Trade between countries involved in such trade continues to be vital today, taking place largely in the informal level.

While no accurate figures are available, it has been estimated by FAO that the number of persons working in the fish processing and marketing sectors in the Africa region is about 1.8 million. Studies covering eight West African countries indicate that women constitute at least 60 per cent of all post-harvest workers. Trade in processed fish products may take place within the same country, as when fish from coastal regions find their way into the interior regions. But it may as well take place across borders. Thus, The Gambian smoked Bonga find its way to Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mali. However, while the importance of artisanal fish trade with the West Africa region cannot be underestimated, there is little information on it and it is hardly reflected in statistics. But we should note that most of this trade occur through the informal trade, where traders do not usually apply for expert permits for products transported by road. This might be due to traders avoiding to pay customs duties; but effort must be strengthened in controlling our Gambian fishing sector.