Background: Fish is highly vulnerable to post-harvest damage, manifesting as physical impairment or microbial spoilage due to inadequate handling and a lack of modern infrastructure. In Southern Ethiopia, these inefficiencies lead to rapid quality degradation and significant economic “forced sales,” undermining regional food security.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest value chain, stakeholder demographics, and operational constraints within the fisheries of the Wolaita and Kembata Tembaro zones to propose actionable interventions for loss mitigation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a multi-stage sampling technique to survey 270 respondents (fishermen, retailers, and consumers). Primary data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, direct field observations of infrastructure, and focus group discussions with fishery experts.
Key Results: Results indicated a 100% male dominance in fish harvesting, with educational attainment significantly higher in Wolaita (60% secondary or above) than in Kembata Tembaro (34%). Harvesting relied on traditional gillnets and hooks (42–52%) with limited boat access (4–16%). While 60–72% of respondents fished exclusively for sale, systemic inefficiencies were prevalent; poor road access (36–48%), inconsistent electricity, and inadequate storage (15–27%) were identified as primary constraints. Retailers primarily sold whole fish in Wolaita (45%), while fish soup dominated the Kembata Tembaro market (50%). Notably, raw fish consumption (4–10%) persists despite severe food safety risks linked to the absence of a cold chain.
Conclusion: The transition to a modernized fishery value chain in Southern Ethiopia is hindered by infrastructural bottlenecks. Urgent interventions, including the establishment of solar-powered cold-chain hubs and the provision of insulated transport materials, are required to mitigate losses and enhance the economic viability of the sector.