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DFM co-applicant, Dr. Emdad Haque, is lead editor of a new book titled “RED ALERT! Non-Communicable Diseases, Dietary Habits and Lifestyle in Bangladesh”. The book offers a profound exploration into Bangladesh’s shifting health dynamics through the lens of the epidemiological transition. This publication stands as a testament to the interdisciplinary approach needed to tackle complex health challenges.  

Drawing from nationwide empirical surveys, the book links non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to dietary patterns, physical activity levels, and lifestyle factors across urban, semi-urban, and rural populations. Among the key findings are the alarming rise in hypertension and diabetes prevalence, outpacing neighbouring countries, and the striking correlation between urbanization and NCD prevalence. Noteworthy is the disparity in NCD burden between rural and urban populations, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.  

One of the noteworthy contributions to the book comes from the Dried Fish Matters (DFM) funded PhD student Sami Naim Farook, whose chapters in the book provide insightful examinations of the health status of the Indigenous Garo people in Dhaka, revealing lower diabetes rates but increasing hypertension, tobacco, alcohol consumption, and obesity among Garo women. In chapter eight of the book, Farook and colleagues highlight the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka, reflecting sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. In chapter eleven, Farook and his co-authors examine the health impacts of shifting dietary patterns, such as a decline in grain consumption and the rise in meat consumption, and recommend holistic approaches to address the emerging challenges of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh.   

Reference: 

Haque, C. E., Ahsan, G. U., & Islam, M. A. (Eds.). (2024). RED ALERT! Non-Communicable Diseases, Dietary Habits and Lifestyle in Bangladesh (First). The University Press Limited. 

The 12^th Biennial Conference of the Indian Society for Ecological Economics (INSEE) recently concluded at BML Munjal University, Haryana. Among the standout contributions was made by the Dried Fish Matters India team, whose participation in the conference illuminated the nuanced landscape of the dried fish sector in the country. In a panel discussion titled “Blue Fears and Blue Hopes: The Social Economy of Dried Fish in India,” the team presented findings from diverse regions – Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Dr. Nikita Gopal, representing Kerala, highlighted the impacts of natural and human factors on dried fish processors, showcasing their resilience amidst challenges. Dr. Tara Nair of the Gujarat team discussed Gujarat’s unusual situation of being a top marine fish producer in a predominantly vegetarian state. The discussion emphasized the need for inclusive fisheries policies to support small-scale dried fish processors vulnerable to exploitation by more powerful economic actors.  

Maharashtra’s challenges, including infrastructure developments and encroachment, were explored by Abhilasha Sharma. Increased online retailing in Maharashtra points to evolving opportunities for dried fish processors. Meanwhile, Prasanna Surathkal shed light on the impact of infrastructure and tourism projects on Karnataka’s coast, underscoring both challenges and positive strides, such as the establishment of a collective producer enterprise. The Dried Fish Matters India team’s brief but impactful presence at the INSEE Conference reflects a commitment to understanding the intricacies of the dried fish sector and advocating for its sustainable growth. Their contributions contribute to opportunities for collaboration to inform policy, governance, and development in this vital industry.  

The recently released Dried Fish Matters (DFM) Working Paper 13, “The Dried Fish Processors of Karnataka,” looks at the dynamics of Karnataka’s dried fish processing industry. The report is rich with figures that summarize the Karnataka Team’s data while reflecting on the implications of their findings about dried fish processing in the state. Led by researchers Amalendu Jyotishi, Ramachandra Bhatta, and Prasanna Surathkal, it sheds light on a tradition deeply rooted in Karnataka’s coastal heritage. The report is based on structured interviews with 271 processors in the state’s three coastal districts. It discusses the intricacies of dried fish production in relation to seasonality, geographical variation, primary species involved, and the crucial role played by women. Women constitute a staggering 95 percent of the surveyed processors! Mangaluru emerged as the primary production site, and anchovies and mackerel were the predominant species, constituting a substantial share of the total dried fish production volume. The study found dried fish producers to be predominantly necessity-driven entrepreneurs and shed light on processors’ socioeconomic challenges that often hinder their businesses’ growth.

Despite its historical significance and critical role in marginalized communities’ livelihoods, the dried fish processing segment grapples with challenges like reduced fish availability, economic losses, and policy neglect. The paper urges policymakers to treat the dried fish sector favourably within Karnataka’s seafood economy, highlighting the potential of dried fish to create livelihoods and enhance nutritional security. Recommendations include the introduction of welfare programs tailored for traditional small-scale fisher communities. Additionally, the academic community is encouraged to initiate studies on nutritional value, processing technology, and the cultural and social roles of dried fish. As Karnataka attracts investments in various sectors, the paper anticipates a shift in market structure and highlights the need for continued educational support to sustain this vital part of the coastal economy.

Download: PDF

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’s (FAO) latest Technical Paper, “Small Fish for Food Security and Nutrition,” spotlights the transformative potential of small fish in nourishing populations worldwide. This comprehensive paper sheds light on the often-overlooked significance of small-scale fisherfolk and the nutritional richness found in small fish species. Traditionally consumed whole, these fish pack a punch with multiple micronutrients vital for health, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and young children.   

The paper’s holistic approach, aligning with food systems frameworks, emphasizes the significance of small fish in nourishing vulnerable populations, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable and inclusive food systems. It delves into various facets – consumption, availability, access, utilization, stability, and sustainability of small fish in food systems, comprehensively addressing stakeholders, interactions, feedback, and outcomes.  

The collaborative efforts behind this paper, led by Maarten Bavinck and Molly Ahern and supported by projects like SmallFishFood, Ikan-F3, Dried Fish Matters, and Fish4Food, exemplify the dedication to addressing global nutritional challenges.  

In the realm of enhancing food security and nutrition, the chapter “The Promise of Dried and Fermented Small Fish Processing,” authored by DFM investigators, including Project Director Professor Derek Johnson, underscores the invaluable role that fish processing, especially drying and fermentation, plays in ensuring widespread access to highly nutritious small fish. These techniques not only facilitate extended storage and wider distribution but also cater to the nutritional needs of remote and underprivileged populations. The chapter highlights the diverse range of products stemming from small fish processing and underscores its economic and cultural significance. The chapter also sheds light on the challenges faced, including increased demand for fish meal and fish oil and inadequate management that pose significant risks for consumers and for the economic viability of small fish production. The chapter stresses the need for substantial public investment in innovative solutions that enhance product quality, improve labour conditions, and bolster supply chain governance to realize the promise of small fish for food security and nutrition.  

For those interested, PDF

Two recent presentations by DFM-supported students, Md Mahfuzar Rahman and Jessie Varquez, at major conferences illuminated critical facets of the dried fish industry.

At the American Anthropological Association (AAA) – Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) Annual Meeting 2023 in Toronto, Canada, Md Mahfuzar Rahman, a PhD Candidate from the University of Manitoba, addressed a key paradox in dried fish production in Bangladesh. Rahman’s presentation titled “Reconciling quality and affordability: tackling the dual challenge of price escalation and quality assurance in dried fish for enhanced nutrition security in Bangladesh” resonated with participants in the Foodscapes in Transition session. His analysis highlighted the struggles faced by Bangladesh’s dried fish sector to develop strategies to improve quality in the context of soaring costs, thin margins, and socio-economic complexities. Rahman showed how compromises in production methods not only jeopardize the industry’s sustainability but also endanger the health of consumers reliant on this vital nutrition source.

For conference details, AAA-CASCA Annual Meeting 2023

On the other side of the globe, at the 45^th International Conference of Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao (UGAT/Anthropological Association of the Philippines), Jessie Varquez, also a PhD Candidate from the University of Manitoba, presented a paper entitled “Byang sang Danggit (Home of Rabbitfish): local knowledge, coastal ecology, and governmentality in Human-Rabbitfish Relations on Bantayan Island.” Varquez’s presentation delved into the intersections of livelihoods, ecology, and governmentality in the social wellbeing of dried fish actors on the island.

For conference details, the 45^th International Conference of Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao