Women preparing smoked fish (karangue) for sale directly from the fish-smoking area in the village. - - Improved Fish-Smoking Techniques: TFD-97/TOG/002. Fish-smoking is the main income-generating activity of the women in the villages around Kpogan in the Prefecture du Golfe, Togo, situated three kilometres along the coast from the port of Lomà? The majority of women use traditional ovens for fish smoking, and are exposed to intense heat and smoke. The ovens also use excessive amounts of fuel for the quantity of fish processed.

This TeleFood-funded project has introduced "banda" and "chorkor" ovens, that will improve both the quality of smoked fish and the working conditions of the women. The ovens are built in the villages, enabling the women to carry out other chores at the same time, such as attending to their children. The new ovens feature improved fire control and protect the women against heat; they consume less fuel, reducing the cost of production and contributing to a cleaner environment. The smoked fish is of superior quality, and can be sold at a better price.