| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣海洋大學 === 水產養殖學系 === 99 === ABSTRACT
Bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata), a popular fish species in West Africa, is utilized in various forms that are of interest to coastal communities and the Gambia at large. It is utilized in the fresh, smoked, salted and dried forms. The smoking activities of bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata) in The Gambia coastal region was studied by considering two factors, site and production scale. Both the site and production scale have significant impact on the input cost and profitability. Series of statistical and economic models were applied to quantitatively measure the studied effects. The financial analysis revealed that bonga smoking in the entire studied sites was economically feasible. However, increasing production level and selling price but reducing operating cost is the major means to increase profitability. Furthermore, the profitability of the bonga smoking industry was affected by explanatory variables including cost of fuel (wood), transportation expense, gender, type of oven, and extension services. Finally, a long term strategy for development recommends that improving these factors is important for social and economic reasons to safeguard consumer health and the sustainability of the smoking industry.
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