Solutions to logistics challenges faced by fishmongers in handling and distributing processed fish. A case study of Anyanui and Keta Districts of Ghana

Authors

  • Felicity Ankoma - Sey Regional Maritime University
  • Christabel Ewedji
  • Richard Gyasi Adjei
  • Micheal Ahiafakpor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.77.8672

Keywords:

Handling and distribution unit (HADU), conical frustum shaped basket (kenten), indigenous logistics solutions

Abstract

The study sought simple indigenous logistics solutions to challenges faced by fishmongers with respect to the handling and distribution of processed fish in the Anyanui and Keta Districts of Ghana. It aimed at designing a handling and distribution unit (HADU) to substitute the conical frustum shaped basket (kenten), which is traditionally used for the purpose.  This was a follow-up to a research that sort to curtail identified challenges, including improper stowage, perceived overloading, listing of cargo on transport vehicle, crushing and contamination of the processed fish during transit.   Observation, simple mathematical calculations, interviews and experimental testing were employed in the study. The researchers’ considered designing a HADU with characteristics similar to the intermodal ISO container. The HADU was to be appropriate for transporting the processed fish by standard tricycles, trucks, and water crafts.  Its volume was calculated to be equivalent to that of the kenten, so as to preserve the measurements of products per unit traditionally supplied to customers, thus not complicating the pricing of contents per unit HADU for the traders.  With height 40 cm, length 43 cm and width 56 cm, the resultant cuboidal shaped HADU, had handles, corner posts with extensions and corner fitting spaces.  The HADU could be loaded in larger numbers on various sizes of trucks and tricycles compared to the kenten. It also solved the in-transit logistics challenges when stacked at a recommended maximum height of three.  Upon its acceptance by the fishmongers, the HADU’s concept was recommended to be sold to basket weavers, to try raw materials other than cane, which will lower its production cost.

References

[1]. FAO (2005) Increasing contribution of small – scale fisheries to poverty alleviation and food security. FAO Technical guidelines for responsible fisheries. No. 10. Rome, FAO.
[2]. Aheto D. W. (2012) Profitability of small-scale fisheries in Elmina, Ghana, MDPI Sustainability – on line journal, ISSN 2071 – 1050 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
[3]. Kwashie V. A. (2017) Logistics solutions to challenges faced by fishmongers in the handling and distribution of processed fish. Unpublished undergraduate research, Regional Maritime University, Ghana
[4]. Lambert, D. M., Stock, J. S., Ellram, L. M., ( 1998) Fundamentals of logistics Management, Irwin/McGraw-Hill, Boston
[5]. Shipping container structural components and terminology http://www.residentialshippingcontainerprimer.com/CONTAINER%20COMPONENTS%20AND%20TERMINOLOGY retrieved on 20/2/2020

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Published

2020-07-31

How to Cite

Ankoma - Sey, F., Ewedji, C., Adjei, R. G., & Ahiafakpor, M. (2020). Solutions to logistics challenges faced by fishmongers in handling and distributing processed fish. A case study of Anyanui and Keta Districts of Ghana . Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7), 499–513. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.77.8672