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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 18, No. 2, 2018, pp. 13521-13540
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Bioline Code: nd18047
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 18, No. 2, 2018, pp. 13521-13540
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A GENDERED PERSPECTIVE ON THE FISH VALUE CHAIN, LIVELIHOOD PATTERNS AND COPING STRATEGIES UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE - INSIGHTS FROM MALAWI’S SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES
Limuwa, MM & Synnevåg, G
Abstract
In Malawi, fish is a form of livelihood to many poor people, despite fluctuations in
catches. Female participation in natural resource activities, including fisheries improve
livelihoods. However, female participation in Malawi fisheries has historically been low
compared to their role in agriculture. In this article, gender roles in the fish value chain,
livelihood patterns and gendered coping strategies in Malawi’s small-scale fisheries
under the effects of climate change were analysed. The analysis is based on interviews
conducted on the western shores of Lake Malawi in two phases between January 2016 to
June 2016 and June 2017 to July 2017. Qualitative and quantitative research methods
were used to collect and analyse data from randomly sampled male and female household
heads who own fishing gears and vessels. The study showed no significant differences
between men and women in their perceptions of climate change in the last 30 years. The
respondents’ perceptions on ecosystem changes were significantly different for a number
of trees and vegetation cover. However, there are significant differences on how male
and female respondents perceived changes in fish catches and species composition. The
statistically significant results showing differences between fish value chain activities
and gender are attributed to the well-defined division of roles and responsibilities within
Malawi fisheries. Respondents acknowledged the increased participation of women in
grading, processing and selling fish in urban markets compared to the past. However,
increased participation of women in fisheries was not due to perceived changes in climate
but due to ownership of fishing gear and economic empowerment through development
projects. Furthermore, this participation did not result in women having power to control
or decide how to use fisheries related income. The study also shows women have a higher
proportion of fisheries related monthly income than men. The main income sources are
gendered and have changed in the last twenty years from heavily relying on agriculture
to fisheries related sources. These changes could be attributed to climate related changes
among other drivers. The study further observed significant differences in coping
strategies between men and women attributed to households’ social construction. Men
ventured into fisheries and agriculture related initiatives while women were more into
business initiatives. The findings suggest gender considerations regarding access to
natural resources have implications on sustainable livelihoods. It is suggested that
changes that transform gender relations should be put in place to improve women’s
ability to bargain.
Keywords
Climate change; coping; fisheries; gender; livelihoods; Malawi; perceptions; value chain
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