Fish traders as key actors in fisheries: gender and adaptive management

Sara Fröcklin, Maricela de la Torre-Castro, Lars Lindström, Narriman S Jiddawi, Sara Fröcklin, Maricela de la Torre-Castro, Lars Lindström, Narriman S Jiddawi

Abstract

This paper fills an important gap towards adaptive management of small-scale fisheries by analyzing the gender dimension of fish trade in Zanzibar, Tanzania. We hypothesize that gender-based differences are present in the fish value chain and to test the hypothesis interviews were performed to analyze: (i) markets, customers, and mobility, (ii) material and economic resources, (iii) traded fish species, (iv) contacts and organizations, and (v) perceptions and experiences. Additionally, management documents were analyzed to examine the degree to which gender is considered. Results show that women traders had less access to social and economic resources, profitable markets, and high-value fish, which resulted in lower income. These gender inequalities are linked, among others, to women's reproductive roles such as childcare and household responsibilities. Formal fisheries management was found to be gender insensitive, showing how a crucial feedback element of adaptive management is missing in Zanzibar's management system, i.e., knowledge about key actors, their needs and challenges.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of Zanzibar (Unguja Island) 6°8′0′′S, 39°19′0′′E, with studied fish markets (n = 10). Village markets are shown by small black dots (n = 6) and Town markets are found within a dotted line (n = 4)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Photos showing a a men-dominated market in Zanzibar Town with b high-value fish species and c better access to infrastructure; d a women-dominated market in a suburb to Zanzibar Town with e low-value fish and f no or little access to infrastructure such as cold storing facilities. Photos: S Fröcklin
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Summary of gender inequalities in a markets, customers, and mobility; b material and economic resources; c contacts and organizations; and d perceptions and experiences (percent positive answers based on 21 women and 21 men)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Average market prices for traded species (USD/kg) and economic importance for women (n = 21) and men (n = 21) traders, respectively (% positive answers)

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Source: PubMed

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