BUCHANAN – On Monday, June 10, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the Japanese government, officially handed over the Fanti Town FTT-Fish processing facility in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, to the Government of Liberia through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). This facility is one of three completed fisheries facilities aimed at improving fish processing, enhancing food safety, and supporting small-scale businesses (SSF) using the FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT).
The “Livelihood Empowerment of Women in Small-Scale Fisheries” project, implemented in partnership with NaFAA, is designed to benefit women in fisheries across Grand Bassa County, known as Fishmongers. The facility features modern fish dryers with preservation capabilities, addressing the critical need to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolk and ensure sustainable fish processing and marketing practices. This project has culminated in the construction of state-of-the-art fish processing facilities and a fish market, marking a first in Liberia.
During the handover ceremony, NaFAA Director General Madam Emma Metieh Glassco lauded the FTT technology as a transformative development for women involved in fish processing and sales. She emphasized that this modern technique, developed through collaboration between local experts and international partners, will revolutionize the handling, preservation, and marketing of fish products in Liberia.
“The introduction of the FTT technology is a game-changer. This modern fish processing technique, developed through collaborative efforts between our local experts and international partners, promises to revolutionize the way we handle, preserve, and market our fish products. It is an exceptional multifaceted approach to addressing the key issues faced by our fisherfolk, especially our fishmongers,” said Madam Glassco.
She highlighted the health risks associated with traditional smoking methods, which often expose workers to harmful smoke and toxic compounds. The FTT system, she noted, significantly reduces these risks by providing a cleaner, safer working environment, thereby investing in the well-being of community members.
“Our traditional smoking methods often expose workers to harmful smoke and toxic compounds. The FTT system significantly reduces these health risks by providing a cleaner, safer working environment. This is not just an investment in technology but an investment in the well-being of our community members,” she added.
Madam Glassco also emphasized the environmental sustainability of the FTT technology, which uses less wood for smoking and reduces the carbon footprint. She stated that this aligns perfectly with NaFAA’s commitment to sustainable practices and preserving natural resources for future generations.
She extended gratitude to the government and people of Japan for funding the construction of the three FTT facilities in Banjor, Marshall, and Buchanan City. She also thanked the FAO family for their partnership in implementing the project and the local county authorities, community, and fisherfolk for their cooperation in making this dream a reality.
In a related development, FAO representative Madam Bintia Stephen Tchicaya highlighted the alignment of the FTT project with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our work in Buchanan is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By investing in the livelihoods of women in small-scale fisheries and promoting sustainable practices, we are contributing to the achievement of these global goals,” she said.
She further mentioned that the FAO Strategic Framework seeks to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
Keynote Speaker President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, urged the Fishmongers to ensure full utilization and maintenance of the FTT facility, reflecting the appreciation of Grand Bassa County’s residents for the FAO’s implementation of the project and the Japanese government’s funding.