Life Cycle Assessment of Fish Carbon Footprints
Publication Date
2022-12Author
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Abstract/ Overview
Fish is one of the few animal-source foods most consumed worldwide. However, transportation of fish releases harmful greenhouse gases, posing serious threat of global warming effects. The sustainable transport system for fish that is efficient and emits minimal greenhouse gases as compared to others is not known. Life Cycle Assessment framework was used to quantify the carbon footprints of fish from landing, through transportation to consumption. The general objective of the study was to assess the life cycle of fish carbon footprints with a specific objective to analyze the carbon footprint of fish per weight-kilometer moved using different motorized modes of transport. The research adopted a descriptive design and involved a sample population of 98 motors (14-seater van (matatu), probox van and motorcycles). Stratified random sampling was employed. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and direct observations. Results showed that matatu emits averagely 0.66 L per kg-km; Probox emit 1.10 L per kg-km; motorcycles emit 2.17L per kg-km when transporting fish. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed there was a statistically significant difference in the carbon footprints of the motorized modes of transport (F (2,77) =22.477, p<0.0005, a=0.05). The study concluded that there is need for sustainable and efficient transportation practice and policy that aims at mitigating the effect of CO2 on climate change. The study recommended that the dominance of lower fish carrying capacity modes be discouraged and initiate high fish carrying capacity modes.