Dried fish are widely distributed and affordable, and in some instances eaten whole or uncooked, which is nutritionally beneficial since fish bones and eyes are particularly rich in proteins and micronutrients, and further cooking processes, if not well controlled, lead to protein denaturation. Further, solar-based dried fish do not contain the harmful levels of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) found in traditionally smoked fish, and their processing does not require any fuel wood or fossil energy. A great potential—both economically and nutritionally—therefore lies in improving and marketing healthy and environmentally friendly solar-dried farmed fish products. This paper presents initiatives to improve the quality of dried farmed fish produced in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in Kenya by use of a combined solar drying system under development. The solar-based fish products produced under sanitary and phytosanitary conditions are to be tested in the market and enabled to access national and regional retail stores. The inventiveness, if well received, will have a great impact on the environment where the fish processors enthusiastically receive new technology and products, but upscaling and ownership remain a challenge. A follow-up research to identify factors likely to limit the combined solar drier wider spread resulting in lasting innovations. These factors include: Sanitary conditions, low capacity during bumper fish production, preference for equipment ownership, land access, credit needs, demand for quality products, and stringent fish quality requirements to reach high end markets. In light of the long history of interventions to introduce new fish processing technologies, we discuss the need for focusing on improved solar drying technology and appropriate adaptability to local socio-cultural and economic contexts.
Keywords: Farmed fish solar drying technology, fish products, innovation.