Gender-specific roles and opportunities in the value chain: A case study of culture-based fisheries in selected Sri Lankan reservoirs

Abstract

Value chain analysis is a useful tool that guides targeted interventions for developing value chains to enhance economic productivity, social well-being, and environmental performance. Examining value chains from a gender perspective can enable the design of more opportunities for women in the fisheries sector to address gender inequalities. This study examined gender-specific roles and opportunities in finfish and giant freshwater prawn (GFP) value chains within five selected reservoirs in Sri Lanka. The floating coconut model was used to identify gender roles in the selected fishing communities and value chain mapping techniques were used to reflect gender engagement along the chain. The analysis was based on data collected using key informant interviews and focused group discussions in the year 2024. Based on the findings, economic activities within the culture-based fishery community can be categorized as formal or informal. Fishing and selling fish in the local market and selling freshwater prawns to collectors who work for exporters are examples of formal economic activity. However, there are about 40 different kinds of informal economic activities in which both men and women participate. Informal activities highlight the important role of women in the household economy where there is a clear division of labor between women and men. Two different value chains were identified based on the five selected reservoirs: one for finfish and the other for GFPs. Both men and women participate in all stages of the value chains. Men dominate in fishing, fish collection, retailing, and wholesaling, with varying support from female family members. Females dominate in fish processing. The GFP value chain differs from that of the finfish's, as it mainly focuses on the export market, with only a small portion going to the local market. The prawns are mainly caught as bycatch in gillnet fisheries for finfish. Women play a crucial role in carefully handling and storing GFPs to maintain its quality, as they are perceived as patient and meticulous in disentangling GFP from fishing nets without harming them. Engaging in fishing can provide a valuable opportunity to balance work life and family responsibilities. Providing training for members of the fishery community to convert non-economic activities into economic activities would enhance economic and social benefits within fishing households, as well as within the fisheries sector.