Mapping women’s role in small scale fisheries value chain in India for fisheries sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability in small scalefisheries is receiving wider acceptance worldwide as the system faces different kinds ofexploitations. Gender can play a significant role in achieving sustainability as they are the primary beneficiariesin small scale fisheries. Exploring theirlevel of participation in resource use can providea database that functions as the key determinants for sustainability. This article looks for empirical evidenceson the roleof men and women in small scale fisheries through gender structure analysis.The indigenous communities (n=154) in Vazhachal Forest Division, Kerala, southern state in Indiais considered for the study. Methods adopted includes household survey using semi structured questionnaire, transect walks, focus groups and direct observations. Results reveal thatalthough higher percentage of men (66.20%),women’s role is substantial(33.80%)in fisheries value chain including pre harvest, harvest and post-harvestsector. Their presence had a significant relation in supportingmen in fisheriesactivities like collection of baits (χ2= 6.189, p= 0.013), accompanying men in fishing (χ2= 4.153; p= 0.042), sorting of fishes (χ2= 3.566, p=0.059), processing of fishes (χ2=9.776, p=0.002) and in mending of nets (χ2= 4.40, p=0.042). Results, further, reveal that men and womenhave unique and overlapping roles in small scale fisheries. The key findings of the study providequantitative evidence to develop strategies forsmall scalefisheries sustainability.