Extension of research results to end users: success stories and failures, the case of the FAO/Food Research Institute chorkor smoker

Abstract

The FAO/Food Research Institute Chorkor Smoker, a traditional improved fish smoking oven has been used to illustrate the. extension of research results to the end users. Work on the development of this oven started in 1968 and by 1969 its extension to the end users commenced. The Chorkor Smoker has offered a truly appropriate solution to the constraints of traditional fish smoking as shown by its wide acceptance in Ghana as well as in some countries outside Ghana. About forty (40) fishing towns/villages are using the oven for commercial fish smoking. The successful extension of the Chorkor Smoker in Ghana has been attributed to factors such as: the origination of the project with full participation of the end users and their contribution to the project in various forms. The technology was needed and wanted. It did not only respond to the needs but also the desires of the fish processors. The oven was found to be economically affordable and worthwhile. It also conformed to local habits and customs. It was easily demonstrable and developed to the point where its advantages were evident. Material resources required for the construction of the oven were also available. The possibility of building the technology right in the villages with the users involved facilitated its acceptance in the communities. The simple: techniques required in the building of the oven and the availability of funds for the project were very helpful. Among a few factors that militated against the acceptability of the Chorkor Smoker include the following: lack of substantial working capital and lack of low interest organized credit to enable the processors expand their business to commensurate with the use of the technology. There has been increase in the costs of material resources required for the building of the oven, such as Wawa Board, Wire Mesh, Nails and Sheets of Plywood. The seasonal nature of fisheries in Ghana has also been a contributory factor