Participatory Evaluation of ‘Irorunde’, A Prototype Drum Oven for Traditional Fish Smoking in Nigeria: A Case Study of Knowledge Co-Production and Inclusive Innovation

Participatory Evaluation of ‘Irorunde’: A Case Study

Abstract

In Nigeria, traditional fish smoking methods predominantly utilize firewood as an energy source, which presents sustainability challenges. Improved fish smoking techniques face low popularity owing to considerable obstacles hindering adoption by fishers involved in fish smoking and development by inventors. This study explored the benefits, challenges and social acceptance of a modern drum oven prototype by fisheres engaged in fish smoking. Against this backdrop, Participatory Action Research (PAR) was conducted using a prototype kiln using carbonized biomass briquettes (CBB) in traditional fish smoking drum ovens. Fishers involved in fish smoking performed evaluations of the prototype, and their perceptions regarding the characteristics of innovation were utilized to assess their willingness to adopt the prototype.

The WhatsApp platform was used to share information and promote peer-to-peer learning. The PAR and evaluations by the fishers led to improvements in the design, construction and performance outputs of the prototype. The fishers agreed that CBB was economical and was a cleaner energy source, facilitating social acceptance and the adoption of the prototype as a substitute for the local drum. The portable size, quality and aesthetic structure also contributed to the adoption of the prototype. In conclusion, the prototype became a socio-economic tool that has encouraged the use of CBB in fish smoking with improved financial and health benefits of the fishers engaged in fish smoking. Local technologies must incorporate inclusive innovation and gender-responsive approaches to facilitate implementation and adoption, thereby improving benefits and well-being of the fishers.