Inland fisheries market feasibility of sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Despite increasing interest in inland fisheries as a means of supporting food security, livelihoods, and rural development, inland fisheries in South Africa remain poorly integrated into food systems, with significant uncertainty regarding supply chains, consumer demand, and product quality. We assessed the market feasibility of sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) harvested through the Darlington Alien Fish Harvest Project in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Over a 9-month trial, 761 kg of catfish were procured, processed into retail products (fillets, burgers, smoked portions, and offcuts), and tested in both formal and informal markets in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. High fat content and visible trematode cysts rendered 32% of fish unsuitable for retail. Of the fish considered fit for consumption, processed products such as burgers and fillets sold moderately well in formal outlets, while offcuts were the most successful product in township markets. The main challenge to the viability of the project, however, was not quality but economics. Whole catfish were purchased at 8–10 ZAR/kg, but erratic supply and transport costs inflated landed prices by more than 50%, reducing competitiveness against established products such as hake (Merluccius capensis) and carpenter (Argyrozona argyrozona). This case study revealed two key findings: First, it provides evidence that new consumer markets can be developed for fish products from South African inland fisheries. Second, successful fishery development requires attention not only to harvesting, but also to supply chains, processing, and market development. These findings provide practical evidence to support implementation of South Africa's inland fisheries policy.