Assessment of post-harvest fish loss in Somali fish markets: drivers, impacts, and mitigation strategies

Introduction Post-harvest fish loss is an important concern in Somalia's fisheries sector, with potential implications for fish quality, livelihoods, food security, and market development. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted with 94 fisheries stakeholders across four Somali fish markets: Mogadishu, Kismayo, Bosaso, and Berbera. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and field observations and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Respondents identified inadequate fish handling, limited preservation and cold-storage facilities, unreliable electricity, transportation difficulties, and weaknesses in quality control and enforcement as major challenges. They reported perceived effects on fish availability, market prices, consumer access, food security, income, business activities, and fish quality. Recommended mitigation measures included improved fish handling, timely icing, better cold-chain facilities, improved preservation technologies, training, stronger quality-control systems, and collaboration among stakeholders. Discussion The findings provide insights into stakeholder-perceived post-harvest challenges and potential mitigation strategies in Somali fisheries. However, the study did not directly measure physical fish losses, discarded quantities, or their economic value. The findings therefore represent stakeholder perceptions and reported experiences rather than measured losses or established causal effects.