Low trophic small fish species as a sustainable and resilient aquatic food to improve food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa

Approximately 80% of children aged 6-59 months and non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years in Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, or vitamin A, a condition known as hidden hunger. The most common strategy to combat hidden hunger involves fortifying staple foods such as maize, wheat, and cooking oil. However, these fortification programs often fail to reach low-income populations. Small fish are recognized as nutrient-dense foods, rich in several critical micronutrients. Yet, much of the existing nutrient composition data pertains to raw fillets from commercially important species in the Global North. Consequently, there is limited data on processed small indigenous fish species from Africa, which may explain why these species are underutilized in addressing hidden hunger. To fill this gap, we analyzed the nutrient content and chemical contaminants in processed small fish species from markets in Ghana and Kenya. The results showed, for instance, that a 30g portion of processed Silver cyprinid (omena/dagaa) provides 56%, 61%, and 91% of the daily recommended intake of iron, zinc, and calcium, respectively, for adults. Additionally, a portion of 31g and 72g of sun-dried Silver cyprinid covers 15% of the daily recommended intake for iodine and vitamin A, respectively. Unpublished data also revealed variable and elevated levels of histamine and other biogenic amines, which we hypothesize may be influenced by factors such as time from harvest to processing, as well as processing and storage conditions. As nutrient-dense, animal-sourced foods, processed small fish species offer significant potential as a sustainable, affordable, and resilient food source to combat hidden hunger, enhancing food security and nutrition for millions of malnourished individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, to optimize consumer benefits and ensure food safety, further research and awareness are needed to improve processing practices. The new data will be incorporated into the ongoing update of the FAO uFish food composition database and can contribute to future revisions of national and regional food composition tables in African countries. Relevant, high-quality analytical data is essential, as these data form the scientific basis for food-based dietary guidelines and food policies, such as school feeding programs, as well as food safety assessments and risk-benefit analysis.