DEVELOPING A SMART FISH SMOKING TECHNOLOGY FOR CATFISH AQUACULTURE IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

My solution team includes the University of Massachusetts Boston. This project, a part of my completed PhD Dissertation, benefitted from my affiliation with MIT D-Lab, where I received training and support to develop it from scratch. Currently, I do not have any registered organizations for testing the implementation of this project, but I am associated with UMASS Boston and MIT D-Lab. I also received some support from my home University- University of Technology, Owerri, where product samples were tested for PAHs. 

Scale of the Problem: 

The fisheries sector in Nigeria is crucial for food security and employment, with over 7 million people involved. Aquaculture, particularly catfish farming, has seen significant growth. However, there is a supply deficit as the annual demand for fish, especially catfish, is 3.6 million metric tons, while only 1.1 million metric tons are met locally. The lack of a viable business model for fish processing is a major obstacle. Cold storage facilities for fresh fish are lacking, leading to a reliance on smoking as a preservation method. Furthermore, the increasing demand for smoked fish abroad adds pressure to the local supply. Catfish farming dominates in the Niger Delta, accounting for 90% of fish farming activity.

Factors contributing to the problem:

The fish smoking industry in Nigeria plays a vital role in preserving fish and meeting market demand. Fish smoking offers several advantages, including extended shelf life, reduced vulnerability to market shocks, enhanced flavor, and a reliable market both domestically and abroad. However, the current Nigerian fish smoking technologies used are problematic. They are inefficient, taking up to six days to complete and being conducted over open woodfires. This inefficiency poses challenges for productivity and market competitiveness.

Furthermore, traditional smoking methods threaten human health due to poor ventilation, leading to the ingestion of particulate matter by processors. The gender inequity is also observed as most processors are women. Additionally, the smoking process deposits chemical residues on the fish, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are deemed carcinogenic by authorities and hinder export. The traditional smoking technologies also contribute to food safety issues, with over 200,000 deaths recorded annually in Nigeria from food poisoning related to smoked fish and other contaminated foods.

Scale of the problem in the communities:

In the Niger Delta region, where the solution is focused, the smoked fish industry involves various participants, including fish farmers, fishermen, fish smokers, distributors, and marketers. It is estimated that there are approximately 16,430 fish smokers across the six states of the Niger Delta, with the majority being women. The demand for smoked fish in the Niger Delta is projected to be around 376,200 metric tons, driven by households, informal catering institutions, and the export market.

Relevance to the solution:

The factors contributing to the problem, such as the inefficiency, health hazards, gender inequity, and chemical residues in traditional fish smoking methods, are directly addressed by the new technology. The new catfish processing technology provides a safer, faster, and more user-friendly alternative to traditional methods. It incorporates solar and biomass components to reduce pollution, health risks, and drying time. The technology eliminates PAH residues, enhances product safety and quality, increases profitability for processors, improves working conditions (especially for women), reduces environmental damage, and contributes to sustainable development goals. By addressing these factors, the solution aims to improve the fish smoking techniques in the industry and address the challenges faced by fish processors in the Niger Delta region and beyond.

The solution is a novel fish smoking technology designed for the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. It aims to address the challenges faced by fish farmers in the area and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the fish smoking process. 

The new technology combines traditional smoking methods with solar energy components. It reduces the wood smoking time from 6 days to just 60 minutes using firewood, and the remaining drying process is completed using solar energy. This minimizes the consumption of wood resources, reduces health risks associated with smoke inhalation, and lowers carbon emissions. 

The technology consists of various components, including blowers for smoke circulation, a chimney for smoke removal, burner/combustion units for biomass combustion, a heat transfer passage for smoke circulation, a drying smoking chamber with racks for fish placement, plain glass to trap heat, a solar collector for collecting solar energy, and rollers for easy transportation. 

The new hybrid fish smoking technology offers advantages such as improved safety, enhanced product quality, reduced reliance on wood resources, and potential long-term cost savings. It provides a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional fish smoking methods, addressing the specific needs and preferences of fish farmers in the Niger Delta region.

The target population for this solution is fish farmers and processors in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, particularly those involved in fish smoking and drying. These individuals, primarily women, are currently underserved by traditional fish smoking technologies that are inefficient, pose health risks, and produce fish with chemical residues. The lack of reliable electricity supply also limits the adoption of modern smoking technologies.

The solution aims to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of these fish farmers and processors in several ways:

1. Improved Quality of Final Product: The new hybrid fish smoking technology removes harmful residues from the fish, resulting in a higher quality final product. This improves the marketability and value of the smoked fish, leading to increased profitability for processors.

2. Increased Profitability: The new technology reduces the smoking time from 3 to 6 days to just 2 hours using firewood, and the remaining drying process is completed using solar energy. This efficient process saves time and resources for processors, allowing them to increase their production capacity and generate more income.

3. Improved Working Conditions: Traditional fish smoking methods involve prolonged smoking times and exposure to harmful smoke, which poses health risks to the processors, especially women. The new technology reduces smoking time and minimizes smoke emission, improving the working conditions and respiratory health of the processors.

4. Environmental Sustainability: The new technology reduces reliance on wood resources by using solar energy for the drying process. This helps to minimize deforestation and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

5. Contribution to Sustainable Development: The adoption of the new technology contributes to the sustainable development of catfish aquaculture in the Niger Delta region. It enhances the productivity and profitability of fish farming and processing, ensuring food security and sovereignty in Nigeria.

6. Potential for Replication: The findings and solutions developed for the Niger Delta region can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges in fish preservation and aquaculture development, especially in other parts of Africa. This allows for the potential scalability and impact of the solution beyond the initial target population.

The new hybrid fish smoking technology directly improves the lives of fish farmers and processors in the Niger Delta region. It enhances their productivity, income, and safety, while also contributing to the sustainable development of catfish aquaculture in Nigeria. The findings and solutions developed can also be applied to other regions facing similar challenges in fish preservation and aquaculture development.

Our team is well-positioned to deliver this solution because of our deep connection and proximity to the communities we are serving. As the Team Lead, I have firsthand experience and understanding of the challenges faced by fish farmers and processors in the Niger Delta region. I was raised in the region and have been actively involved in the fish farming and processing industry since a young age. I have witnessed the inefficiencies and health risks associated with traditional fish smoking techniques, and I am personally committed to making a difference in the lives of farmers and processors, especially women who are often marginalized in the industry.

The design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we are serving. We have actively engaged with fish farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta region through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and community meetings. Their insights and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the design of the new hybrid fish smoking technology. We have listened to their concerns, preferences, and specific requirements, and incorporated them into the development process. By involving the community from the beginning, we ensure that the solution addresses their needs and is culturally appropriate.

Furthermore, our team is representative of the communities we are serving. We have a diverse team with members who have direct experience in fish farming, processing, and community engagement in the Niger Delta region. We understand the local context, cultural nuances, and challenges faced by the target population. Our team members have personal connections and relationships within the communities, which enhances our ability to build trust, collaborate effectively, and ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the solution.

Overall, our team's deep connection and proximity to the communities we are serving, combined with our commitment to community engagement and participation, make us the right people to design and deliver this solution. We are dedicated to improving the lives of fish farmers and processors in the Niger Delta region and are driven by a shared vision of sustainable aquaculture, gender equality, and community empowerment.

Why the project is in the pilot:

The project is in the pilot phase because it has been built and undergone rigorous testing and has met the requirements for safety standards and has lower levels of harmful substances compared to traditional methods. The technology has undergone rigorous testing, including laboratory testing on fish samples, to confirm compliance with EU safety standards for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results of the testing show that the fish samples produced using the new technology have lower levels of PAHs compared to traditional methods, making them safer for consumption and compliant with EU safety standards.

What have been built and tested so far:

The project has built and tested a new technology for smoking fish. The technology involves using a hybrid method of smoking fish, combining firewood and solar energy for drying. The project has created four experimental smoked fish samples using the hybrid technology, with different smoking durations of 120 minutes, 60 minutes, 45 minutes, and 30 minutes. These samples have undergone laboratory testing to check for PAHs and have been compared to fish samples obtained from the Nigerian market and smoked using traditional methods.

The laboratory testing results show that the samples smoked using the hybrid technology have lower levels of PAHs compared to the samples smoked using traditional methods. Specifically, the samples smoked for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes had no detectable levels of Benzo[a]pyrene and PAH4. The sample smoked for 120 minutes exceeded the PAH4 limit but complied with the Benzo[a]pyrene limit. In contrast, the sample obtained from the Nigerian market and smoked using traditional methods exceeded both the PAH4 and Benzo[a]pyrene limits.

The project has also conducted taste tests on the fish samples created with the new technology and gathered consumer feedback. A survey questionnaire was administered to 50 participants, including Nigerian expatriates in Boston and participants in Nigeria. The survey focused on consumer willingness to accept smoked fish produced using the hybrid technology. The participants tasted the samples and provided their preferences and ratings on various attributes, including flavor, similarity to Nigerian smoked fish, meeting expectations, aftertaste detection, recommendation, overall appearance, shape, size, color, naturalness, aroma, and texture.

How many customers or beneficiaries have been served:

The project has served a total of 50 participants, including 10 Nigerian expatriates in Boston and 40 participants in Nigeria. These participants have been involved in the taste tests and surveys to gather consumer feedback on the smoked fish samples created using the new technology. Their feedback and preferences have been instrumental in assessing the quality, safety, and consumer acceptance of the product.

In summary, the project has accomplished the development and testing of a new technology for smoking fish that meets safety standards and has lower levels of harmful substances. The taste tests and surveys conducted with the participants have provided valuable insights into consumer preferences and acceptance of the product. These accomplishments have laid the foundation for further research and development of the technology, with the aim of providing a high-quality and safe product for consumers and meeting regulatory requirements for export markets to Nigerians abroad.  

We are applying to Solve because we see it as an opportunity to access a wide range of support and resources that can help us overcome specific barriers and advance our solution. Here are the areas where we hope Solve can provide assistance:

1. Financial Support: While our project has made significant progress in developing and testing a new technology for smoking fish, we may require financial support to scale up our operations, conduct further research and development, and meet regulatory requirements for export. Solve's connections with partners who can provide monetary support or access to funding opportunities can help us secure the necessary resources to move forward.

2. Technical Expertise: Solve's network of partners and experts can offer technical assistance and guidance in optimizing our technology, improving efficiency, and addressing any technical challenges we may encounter. This support can enhance the quality and effectiveness of our solution.

3. Legal Services: As we aim to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements, access to in-kind legal services through Solve can help us navigate legal complexities, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure proper documentation and certification for our product.

4. Market Access and Cultural Understanding: Solve's platform provides curated opportunities to connect with a diverse group of peers and experts from various industries and sectors. This exposure can help us gain insights into different markets, understand cultural preferences, and identify potential collaborators or partners to expand our reach and impact.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation Support: Solve's monitoring and evaluation support can assist us in developing robust impact measurement practices to track and communicate the social and environmental impact of our solution. This data-driven approach can enhance our credibility and transparency.

In conclusion, by participating in Solve's program, we aim to leverage the tailored capacity workshops, leadership coaching, in-kind resources, networking opportunities, and exposure to advance our solution, overcome barriers, and create a positive impact in the market.

Our solution is innovative in the way it combines traditional smoking methods with solar energy to create a safer and more sustainable way of smoking fish. This hybrid technology not only reduces harmful substances in the smoked fish but also addresses environmental concerns by utilizing renewable energy sources.

The approach of using a hybrid method for smoking fish is a new and significantly improved way compared to traditional smoking methods that often result in high levels of harmful substances like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). By incorporating solar energy into the smoking process, we are able to reduce the reliance on firewood, which contributes to deforestation and air pollution. This approach not only improves the safety and quality of the smoked fish but also promotes environmental sustainability.

Our innovative solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the food processing industry and beyond. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of using renewable energy in traditional practices, we can inspire others in the industry to adopt more sustainable methods. This could lead to a shift towards cleaner and greener technologies in food processing, promoting environmental conservation and reducing health risks associated with traditional smoking methods.

Furthermore, our solution could change the market landscape by setting a new standard for food safety and sustainability in the smoked fish industry. As consumers become more conscious of the health and environmental impacts of their food choices, products produced using our hybrid technology could gain a competitive edge in the market. This could drive demand for safer and more sustainable smoked fish products, encouraging other players in the industry to adopt similar practices.

Overall, our innovative approach to smoking fish not only addresses health and environmental concerns but also has the potential to drive positive change in the market by promoting sustainability, improving product quality, and inspiring industry-wide adoption of cleaner technologies.

We expect our solution, a hybrid technology for smoking fish using firewood and solar energy, to have a positive impact on the problem of harmful substances in traditionally smoked fish and the environmental impact of the smoking process. Here is how we believe our solution will bring about change:

1. Activities:
Our activities involve using the hybrid technology to smoke fish samples, conducting laboratory tests to ensure safety and compliance, and gathering feedback from consumers through taste tests and surveys.

2. Outputs:
The immediate outputs of our activities are fish samples with lower levels of harmful substances, such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), compared to traditionally smoked fish. We also gather valuable consumer feedback on taste, appearance, aroma, and texture.

3. Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of our solution are as follows:

Improved Safety: By reducing the levels of harmful substances in smoked fish, our solution makes the fish safer for consumption, leading to better health outcomes for consumers.

Environmental Sustainability: The use of solar energy in the smoking process reduces the reliance on firewood, which helps conserve forests, reduce air pollution, and mitigate the environmental impact of traditional smoking methods.

Market Acceptance: Through taste tests and consumer feedback, we aim to demonstrate that our smoked fish produced using the hybrid technology is preferred by consumers in terms of taste, appearance, and overall quality. This can lead to increased market acceptance and demand for our product.

Industry Adoption: As our solution proves its effectiveness and benefits, we anticipate that other fish processors and the wider industry will adopt similar hybrid technologies, leading to a broader positive impact on the sector and a shift towards safer and more sustainable smoking practices.

Overall, we have tested and believed that our solution have a tangible impact by providing safer smoked fish, promoting environmental sustainability, driving market acceptance, and inspiring industry-wide adoption of cleaner and healthier smoking methods.

Our impact goals for our solution are as follows:

1. Goal: Improve Food Safety
   - Indicator: Reduction in levels of harmful substances (e.g., PAHs) in smoked fish compared to traditional methods.
   - Measurement: We measure the levels of PAHs in the fish samples produced using our hybrid technology and compare them to the levels in traditionally smoked fish.

2. Goal: Promote Environmental Sustainability
   - Indicator: Reduction in firewood consumption for smoking fish.
   - Measurement: We track and measure the amount of firewood used in the smoking process and compare it to the amount that would have been used with traditional methods.

3. Goal: Enhance Consumer Acceptance and Preference
   - Indicator: Consumer feedback on taste, appearance, aroma, and texture of the smoked fish samples.
   - Measurement: We gather feedback through taste tests and surveys, asking participants to rate the samples on various attributes and preferences.

4. Goal: Encourage Industry Adoption of Sustainable Practices
   - Indicator: Number of fish processors or industry stakeholders adopting hybrid smoking technologies.
   - Measurement: We track and monitor the number of fish processors or industry stakeholders who adopt similar hybrid smoking technologies or express interest in implementing sustainable practices.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we collect data through laboratory testing, consumer feedback surveys, and monitoring industry adoption trends. By regularly analyzing and evaluating this data, we can assess the effectiveness of our solution, identify areas for improvement, and track our progress towards achieving our impact goals.

The core technology that powers our solution is a hybrid smoking technology for fish processing. This technology combines traditional smoking methods with the use of solar energy.

The process involves the following components:

1. Smoking Chamber: A specially designed chamber where the fish is placed for smoking. It is equipped with racks to hold the fish during the smoking process.

2. Firewood: A controlled amount of firewood is used to generate smoke, which imparts flavor to the fish during smoking. The firewood has its chamber that is controlled.

3. Solar Drying: Solar collector is installed on another chamber that is attached to the technology, to harness solar energy, and there is a detached solar panel. This energy is used to power blowers and the heating element that facilitate the drying process, reducing the overall smoking time required.

4. Ventilation System/chimney: The smoking chamber is designed with appropriate vents to regulate airflow and maintain optimal smoking conditions. This ensures that the fish is evenly smoked and dried, and the smoke processors don't have to inhale smokes and gets uncomfortable. 

The combination of traditional smoking methods and solar energy offers several benefits:

1. Safer and Healthier: By reducing the levels of harmful substances, such as PAHs, in the smoked fish, our technology improves food safety and protects consumer health.

2. Environmental Sustainability: The use of solar energy reduces the reliance on firewood, which helps mitigate deforestation, reduce air pollution, and contribute to overall environmental sustainability.

3. Efficiency and Consistency: The controlled smoking conditions and regulated airflow provided by the technology result in more consistent and evenly smoked fish, enhancing the overall quality of the product.

4. Cost-effectiveness: The integration of solar energy reduces the dependency on firewood, which can lead to cost savings for fish processors and promote economic sustainability.

Our core technology leverages both traditional smoking methods and modern solar energy, combining the best of both worlds to create a solution that addresses the challenges of traditional smoking practices while promoting food safety, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

There is a total of 7 people on our solution team, including myself. Here is the breakdown:

1. Lilian Elekwachi - Principal Investigator, UMASS BOSTON

2. Dr. Michael F Tlusty, PhD - Chair, UMASS Boston
3. Dr. Lorena M Estrada-Martinez- PhD Committee, UMASS Boston

4. Dr. Georgia Mavrommati - PhD Committee, UMASS Boston

5. Dr. Tendayi Maravanyika - PhD External Committee, Great Zimbabwe University.

6. Dr. Dan Sweeney - Affiliate Research Director, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) D-Lab

7. Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakuba - PAHs Testing Coordinator, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria

Our solution has been in development since 2019 when the project was initiated as part of a PhD project. The work on the solution continued until April 2024 when the project was completed.

To ensure that our team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members, we have implemented the following practices:

1. Diversity in Recruitment: When hiring new team members, we actively seek to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds. We utilize a variety of channels and platforms to reach a wide range of potential applicants.

2. Equal Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for all team members, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic. Our selection process is based on merit and skills, ensuring fairness and unbiased evaluation of all candidates.

3. Inclusive Environment: We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and respected. We promote open communication, encourage the expression of diverse perspectives, and create a safe space for constructive discussions.

4. Flexible Work Arrangements: We understand that individuals have different needs and responsibilities outside of work. We strive to accommodate flexible work arrangements to minimize barriers and support work-life balance for our team members.

5. Professional Development Opportunities: We provide opportunities for professional growth and development for all team members. This includes access to training programs, workshops, conferences, and other resources to enhance their skills and knowledge.

6. Collaboration and Team Building: We encourage collaboration and teamwork among team members. This includes fostering an inclusive decision-making process, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and creating opportunities for team building activities.

7. Respect and Recognition: We promote a culture of respect and recognition within the team. We celebrate achievements, acknowledge the contributions of each team member, and ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued.

By implementing these practices, we aim to create a diverse and inclusive team environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We continuously assess and improve our practices to ensure that we are providing equal opportunities and a supportive environment for all team members.

Our business model focuses on providing value to both our customers and beneficiaries through our innovative hybrid technology for smoking fish. Here are the key elements of our business model:

1. Key Customers:
Our key customers are fish processors, distributors, and retailers in the seafood industry. These entities are involved in the production, distribution, and sale of smoked fish products.

2. Key Beneficiaries:
The key beneficiaries of our solution are consumers of smoked fish who are concerned about food safety, environmental sustainability, and product quality.

3. Products/Services:
We provide our customers with the following products and services:
- Hybrid Smoking Technology: We offer the design, installation, and maintenance of the hybrid smoking technology, which combines traditional smoking methods with solar energy.
- Training and Support: We provide training programs and ongoing support to educate fish processors on how to effectively use the hybrid smoking technology and ensure optimal results.

4. Value Proposition:
Our solution offers several value propositions to our customers and beneficiaries:
- Improved Food Safety: Our hybrid technology reduces harmful substances in smoked fish, making it safer for consumption and meeting regulatory standards.
- Environmental Sustainability: By utilizing solar energy, our solution reduces the reliance on firewood, leading to a more sustainable and eco-friendly smoking process.
- Enhanced Product Quality: The controlled smoking conditions provided by our technology result in more consistent and evenly smoked fish, improving the overall quality and taste of the product.

5. Revenue Generation:
We generate revenue through a combination of product sales, installation and maintenance fees, and training programs. Customers pay for the hybrid smoking technology, installation services, and ongoing support. Additionally, we may explore partnerships or collaborations to access grants or funding opportunities to support the development and implementation of our solution.

6. Customer Need/Want:
Our customers want and need a smoking technology that addresses the challenges of traditional methods, such as food safety concerns and environmental impact. They are looking for a solution that allows them to produce high-quality smoked fish while meeting consumer demands for safer and more sustainable products.

By addressing these customer needs and providing value through our innovative hybrid smoking technology, we aim to create a sustainable and financially viable business model that benefits both our customers and beneficiaries.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable revolves around several key strategies:

While our solution is still in the early stages of implementation, we have gathered promising evidence to support the potential financial sustainability of our plan:

1. Market Interest: We have conducted market research and engaged with potential customers, receiving positive feedback and interest in our hybrid smoking technology. This indicates a strong market demand for safer and more sustainable smoking solutions.

2. Customer Engagement: We have secured initial commitments from fish processors who are eager to adopt our hybrid smoking technology. This demonstrates customer confidence and willingness to invest in our solution.

3. Funding Opportunities: We have started exploring potential funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, which can provide additional financial support for research, development, and scaling.

4. Cost Analysis: Through comprehensive cost analysis and financial modeling, we have developed a clear understanding of our expenditure and revenue streams. This allows us to make informed decisions to optimize costs and maximize profitability.