*The Role of Fish in Fostering Sustainable Agricultural Development among Women*

Abstract

Women's contributions to the fishing industry are seldom acknowledged, and when they are, they

are usually seen in the context of their work as caregivers for fishing households and as

processors and marketers of fish. The manner in which gender concerns have been taken into

account in fisheries development programs has been impacted by this characterization: women

are targeted through post-harvest and household support activities. This study identifies different

roles played by women in small scale fisheries along the Kenyan Coast, their participation in

leadership, decision making, in fisheries value chain and conservation of fisheries resources. The

major challenges they face in their daily activities at the beach landing sites and opportunities in

the blue economy. By better understanding the roles and acknowledging the benefits of both

direct and indirect involvement in fisheries activities can assist in making decisions to increase

gender equality and incorporate all the stakeholders in fisheries management. Based on a

synthesis of relevant literature, have identified both roles and challenges of women in small scale

fisheries and identified major gaps which assist in making a number of recommendations to
enhance women empowerment and participation in small scale fisheries sector.
Acknowledgement

wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea,

the Office of Legal Affairs, the United Nations and The Nippon Foundation Fellowship for

granting me this opportunity. My sincerest thanks also go to Ms. Valentina Germani (Programme

Advisor) and Vanessa Arellano for her flexibility and invaluable input into what has truly been a

learning process and Ms. Sladana Vracar who worked tirelessly to ensure all administrative

issues were swiftly taken care of. I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to DOALOS and all staff

members for their warm welcome.

I would also like to extend special thanks to the One Ocean Hub, Law School, University of

Strathclyde and to my research supervisor Professor, Elisa Morgera for her patience and

invaluable guidance during this process. Last but not least, I wish to thank my family, friends,

and colleagues for their wonderful support during my fellowship. The time spent at DOALOS,

accorded me the privilege to exchange ideas with the other Fellows, as well as the excellent

*Introduction:*

Fish is a vital source of nutrition and income for many communities worldwide. For women in particular,
fish farming and trade can provide economic empowerment and improve food security. This proposal
aims to explore the importance of fish to agricultural development among women, highlighting its
potential to improve nutrition, income, and social status.

Fishing is one of the oldest occupations of mankind. It gives nourishment immediately and with
not much time between the effort and its result. Fish is particularly significant as food since it is

an affordable and accessible source of protein and critical micronutrients for all ages. As a result

the public perception of fish as a nutritious food item, the market for fish has expanded

dramatically in recent years1

Globally, the fishing industry plays a significant role in the livelihoods of many coastal people in

terms of creation of employment, income generation and provision of principal protein to the

diet2

. In China, fisheries industry is ranked high among other occupations in its contribution to

the global economy. However, there is disparity in terms of gender roles in fisheries industry

since this sector is mostly dominated by men3

. Gender roles are critical in value chain analysis.

In Indonesia and Sri-Lanka both men and women take part in the supply value chain to help

identify and understand the major opportunities for upgrading and the driving constraints to

market growth of the fisheries sector4

. Globally, the segment of fisheries is viewed as the male

women. Women among fishing communities around the globe are economically vulnerable and

occupy fewer social positions since fishery is a tedious and risky venture thus men tend to

safeguard their women from taking part in it5

F. S. Farooqi, S. Rasool and S. Ahmad Simnani Problems & prospects of fisherwomen of Kashmir Valley

Solomon S. Mhango 2022. Factors Influencing Women Inclusion in Fish Value Chain in Kilombero District,

Tanzania Pg.2

Funge‐Smith and Bennett, 2019 A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and
livelihoods. Pg.2

Albert Ogoma Odhone, Ishmail O. Mahiri, Francis O. Onsongo Assessing Gender Roles in Dagaa Fishery
Value
Chain among Fishing Communities on Lake Victoria, A Case Study of Lake Victoria Beaches in Siaya
County, Kenya

Katia Frangoudes 2018 Gendering Change in Small-Scale Fisheries and Fishing Communities in a
Globalized

For many people worldwide, the fisheries sector provides a major source of food and livelihood.

For many families in the developing world, fish is an essential source of income and protein.

About 200 million people throughout the world are estimated to depend on fish for all or part of

their income. Historically all over the world marine and fisheries sector has been identified as a

male dominated activity even though women play a substantial role in performing

complementary activities in the fisheries sub-sector, making up nearly half of the overall

fisheries sector workforce6

Africa's small-scale fishing industry plays a significant role in the continent's economy,

livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. Small-scale inland fisheries account for half of Africa's

total catch, which comes from 66% of the continent's total catch.

More than 3 million tons of fish were harvested in marine waters by artisanal fishers in 2010,
with a total estimated value of 4.8 billion dollars. With an estimated value addition of over 24

billion dollars in 2014, the sector accounted for 1.26% of total African GDP. Furthermore, as a

source of jobs, small-scale fisheries makes a substantial economic contribution7

. An estimated 10

million Africans depended on small-scale fishing as their main source of income in 2011, while

another 90 million did so as part of a diversified livelihood strategy. The high employment rate

in the artisanal fishing industry is mostly caused by lack of opportunities for communities to

engage in other sources of income-generating activities. For approximately 200 million Africans,

small-scale fisheries are also crucial to their food security. In the African artisanal fishing sector,

women play a crucial role. The value chain, which runs from the canoe to the market, revolves

around them. Some women both accompany the landings and provide pre-financing for the

fishing trips8

. Many women in countries such as Ghana own boats, and some even provide

money to male fishers so they can buy boats or fishing gear. Though they make up an average of

58% of the players, it is true that women participate more actively in downstream activities such
6 Oluwatoyin D Kolawole, Stella B Williams & AF Awujola Indigenous fish processing and preservation
practices

amongst women in Southwestern Nigeria. Pg. 2

7 Role of women in African artisanal fisheries: Challenges and Opportunities (Interview) – CAOPA –
African

Confederation of Professional Organizations of Artisanal Fisheries,

8 https://www.fao.org/flw-in-fish-value-chains/flw-in-fish-value-chainsresources/articles/african-small-
scale-fish

*Background:*

Women play a crucial role in agriculture, contributing significantly to food production, processing, and
trade. However, they often face challenges in accessing resources, markets, and decision-making
opportunities. Fish farming and trade can offer women a unique opportunity to overcome some of these
challenges and improve their livelihoods.

*Objectives:*

1. To examine the nutritional benefits of fish for women and their families

2. To analyze the economic opportunities fish farming and trade offer women

3. To investigate the role of fish in enhancing women's empowerment and social status

4. To identify challenges and opportunities for promoting fish farming and trade among women

*Methodology:*

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and case studies to
gather data from women involved in fish farming and trade. The research will be conducted in [specific
region or community], where fish farming is a significant economic activity.
*Expected Outcomes:*

The study aims to demonstrate the significance of fish to agricultural development among women,
highlighting its potential to improve:

1. Nutrition: Fish is an excellent source of protein, micronutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for
human health.

2. Income: Fish farming and trade can provide women with a steady income, enhancing their economic
stability and independence.

3. Empowerment: Involvement in fish farming and trade can empower women, increasing their
decision-making power and social status within their communities.

4. Sustainable Agriculture: Fish farming can promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as
integrated farming systems and aquaculture.

*Potential Impact:*

The study's results can contribute to:

1. Enhancing food security and nutrition among women and their families

2. Empowering women through economic opportunities

3. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices

4. Informing policies and programs supporting women's development

*Implementation Plan:*

1. Literature review and stakeholder analysis

2. Data collection (surveys, interviews, case studies)

3. Data analysis and report writing

*Timeline:*

The study will be completed within 12 months, with the following milestones:

- Literature review and stakeholder analysis (2 months)

- Data collection (4 months)

- Data analysis and report writing (4 months)

- Dissemination of findings (2 months)

*Budget:*

The study will require funding for:

1. Fieldwork and data collection

2. Research assistants and data analysts

3. Workshops and dissemination activities

*Conclusion:*

The proposed study will contribute to a better understanding of the importance of fish to agricultural
development among women. The findings will inform policies and programs supporting women's
empowerment and sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately enhancing food security and nutrition.

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