Title: Assessing the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) in small-scale fisheries in Solomon Islands: a case study in Central Honiara fish market

Abstract

Wilson Kiyo's final project will be published in due time. Until then we share the abstract and a link to a poster.

This study assessed the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), focusing on hygiene practices and GMP awareness among fish vendors at the Central Honiara Fish Market in the Solomon Islands. A mixed-method approach was employed, including vendor surveys (n=20), observational assessments, and interviews with key informants (KIs). The results indicated that while 50% of fish vendors were aware of GMP, only 15% had received formal training. Adherence to hygiene practices was found to be inadequate, primarily due to limited infrastructure, unreliable access to clean water, and poor usage of protective gear. Observational assessment confirmed infrequent handwashing due to limited access to clean water, absence of protective gear, poor waste management, and deteriorating infrastructure of market facilities. Interviews with key informants highlighted systemic challenges, such as underfunded market facilities, weak enforcement mechanisms, and insufficient institutional support for fish vendor education. Despite these barriers, fish vendors expressed a strong willingness (95%) to adopt improved GMP practices if provided with adequate training, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory guidance. Based on these results, this study recommends a multifaceted intervention strategy involving infrastructure improvements, regular training, enhanced regulatory enforcement, and multisectoral collaboration to improve GMP implementation and enhance seafood safety and quality in small-scale fish markets.