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Public Health and Hygienic Condition of Retailers at Fish Markets in Sylhet Sadar of Bangladesh

Md. Alamgir Hossain
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control. Faculty of Fisheries. Sylhet Agricultural University. Sylhet. Bangladesh.

Md. Motaher Hossain
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control. Faculty of Fisheries. Sylhet Agricultural University. Sylhet. Bangladesh.

Md. Golam Rasul
Department of Fisheries Technology. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University. Gazipur. Bangladesh.

Mohammad Abu Jafor Bapary*
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control. Faculty of Fisheries. Sylhet Agricultural University. Sylhet. Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The hygienic and sanitary conditions of the majority of the retail fish markets are very poor and unhealthy that may have an impact on fish retailers. The present study was conducted in two retail fish markets located in Kajirbazar and Bondorbazar, in Sadar Sylhet, to assess the hygiene and sanitary condition of fish retailers. Information was collected through questionnaire interview and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) from the retailers and other value chain stakeholders. It was found that about 82% of fish retailers were permanent in these retail markets. The retailers are mainly involved in selling various species of fishes such as carps, catfishes, tilapia, koi, hilsa, shrimp and other small indigenous fishes. The sources of these fishes are mainly nearby haors, river and ponds. The retailers get fishes from various suppliers and also collected from producers. The income level of fish retailers is relatively low although they are trying to improve their socio-economic conditions. Besides, about 9% of the retailers do not have any formal education whereas 70% and 21% have their education in the primary and secondary level, respectively. Although the majority of the retailers were found literate, however, their knowledge of public health was seemed to be very poor. Due to a lack of proper knowledge on public health, they are frequently affected by various diseases such as common cold, diarrhea, lesion, fever, skin disease and so on. Particularly, 48% of the fish retailers are affected by the lesion on hands, and 31% and 27% of retailers have been affected by the lesion between fingers or toes, respectively. About 20% of the retailers do not have adequate knowledge of fish quality or the benefit of using ice in fish preservation in retail markets. Considering all together, the present study revealed that the retailers operated fish markets are ill-managed, unhygienic and unsatisfactory. The lack of proper fish preservation facilities, poor water supply and unplanned infrastructures are generally regarded as noticeable problems in the retail markets. In addition, the lack of retailer’s education, consciousness about fish quality, lack of training on hygienic and sanitary conditions are seemed to be involved in spoiling or deteriorating fish quality before reaching the consumers. Therefore, proper education and training on hygienic and sanitary conditions as well as sufficient knowledge on maintaining fish quality are required for retailers involved in fish retailing in the markets. It can be concluded that the improvement of relevant facilities of fish markets and proper supervision by respective authorities can ensure better public health for retailers and safe fish food for consumers.

Keywords: Public health; Hygiene; Sanitation; Retailers; Socio-economic conditions.

Location: Sylhet Sadar, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Health hazard, Fish Market

Objectives:

Considering these points in this study was we sought to address the current status of the fish market and socio-economic condition of fish retailers and assessed the various issues of public health being faced by the fish retailers. In addition, we outlined the relevant measures being taken to develop the public health situation of fish retailers.

Methodology:

Selection of the study area and target group The study was conducted based on market survey for obtaining information through a sample survey of the fish retailers. The survey was done in the two important markets of Sylhet Sadar in Sylhet district which is located in the north-eastern region. A large number of people (retailer) are engaged in fish marketing in this region due to the presence of huge fisheries resources including haors, rivers, ponds as well as the availability of diversified fish species. Data collection and questionnaire design: A total of 30 fish retailers were interviewed in two different markets. To collect pertinent data, the single interview technique such as primary data was collected directly from the fish retailers using a structured questionnaire and field visits. A well-structured questionnaire was prepared for interviewing fish retailers. In the survey, a questionnaire is a cardinal tool for the collection of necessary appropriate information. In this study, questionnaires were prepared inconsistently with the objectives for collecting germane information. Data collection methods: Collection of accurate and reliable data and other necessary information from the field is considered a tough task but the success of the survey depends on the reliability of data. Therefore, utmost care was given to complete it properly. In order to collect relevant information, the interview technique was followed. For the study, a combination of questionnaire interviews, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools such as focus group discussion (FGD) with key informants were used for appropriate data collection. Processing and tabulation of the data: The collected data were summarized and processed for analysis. These data were verified to eliminate all possible errors and inconsistencies. The tabular technique was applied for the analysis of data by using simple statistical tools like averages and percentages. Finally, the processed data were transferred to a master sheet from which classified tables were prepared to reveal the finding of the study. Analysis of data: Mainly the tabular analysis technique was used in this study. The data were presented mostly in tabular form, because of the simple analytical techniques, widely used and easy to understand. For processing and analysis purposes, MS Excel and MS word had been used. Tables and pie-charts have been used for presenting information in the text of the thesis.

Source of Information: Brazilian Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019, Vol. 6, No. 12, p. 251-261. ISSN 2358-2731

Article Link (Online Journal): https://doi.org/10.21472/bjbs.061223

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results of the present study revealed that almost all fish markets operated by fish retailers are ill-managed, unhygienic and unscientific. There is no proper handling, washing, cleaning, icing, or re-icing facilities for fish. Very little attention is paid by fish transporters for post-harvest management or improvement of the resources, rather more interested in earning more revenue at the cost of the fishermen and the consumers. Therefore, almost all of the fish markets are not facilitated with modern infrastructural facilities and sometimes it does not have any overhead covering. These poor infrastructural facilities of fish harvesting, landing, handling, preservation, transportation, distribution and marketing are mostly responsible for fish poor hygiene and sanitation condition of fish retailers as well as maintain fish quality in retail markets. Similar fish marketing problems were investigated by Aktar et al. (2010).

Knowledge Management: Journal