Economic returns and constraints of traditional fish smoking in North Buton District of Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

Fish smoking is a method of preserving fish using smoke from burning coconut shells or wood charcoal. This study aimed to assess the economic returns from traditional fish smoking, examine its contribution to the total household income, and identify the constraints it is facing. The study was undertaken in Malalanda Village, Kulisusu Sub-district, North Buton District. The data collection was carried out in July-September 2019. Data and information were collected from ten smoked fish producers living in the village. Cost and returns analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Study results showed that the monthly household income of smoked fish producers was IDR10,930,201, consisting of IDR8,515,505 from fishing and fish smoking, and IDR2,414,696 from selling foods. The contribution of fishing and fish smoking to the total household income was 78.0 percent. Traditional fish smoking has some constraints related to processing technology, handling practices, and labour work. Traditional fish smoking provides a significant contribution to household income, so there is a need to improve the processing method and working environment to enhance the product quality and safeguard women producers' health.