Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Extensive scholarly research exists on the impact of IUU fishing and Industrial fishmeal production on the environment, local food systems, labour markets, as well as on the socio-economic well-being of artisanal fisherfolk in general. However, there exist minimal scholarly work on the gendered impact of these industries and how they microscopically affect the socio-economic wellbeing of women within the SSF sector.
The aim of this study was to explore how IUU (Illegal, Unregular and Unreported) fishing and Industrial fishmeal processing affect the livelihood and socioeconomic wellbeing of women fish processors and traders in the Gambia. Using ethnographic studies, I collected data through semi-structured individual interviews, group interviews and field observation in three coastal towns to 1) understand what changes have occurred to women’s access to fish due to IUU fishing and Industrial Fishmeal processing, 2) To understand how these changes affect women’s livelihoods, wellbeing and social reproductive roles, 3) To highlight different strategies adopted by women to adapt to these changes and 4)To highlight existing structural inequalities and understand how this influences the impact the fishmeal factories and IUU fishing have on women.
The results suggest that women’s access to fish has been restricted as a result of IUU fishing and this has significantly affected and deteriorated women’s socio-economic wellbeing. However, the findings also highlighted that in the face of these changes, changing fish sourcing locations, joining collective saving groups and the most interesting finding of the thesis, depending on the fishmeal factories to access fish. The findings also suggest that women are marginalised and disproportionately disadvantaged by norms, patriarchal structures as well as gender-insensitive policies that hinder their participation in the fisheries sector. This reinforces their suffering and leaves them vulnerable to shocks.
The research concludes that IUU fishing and industrial fishmeal production should not be viewed as just environmental issues but political and also deeply gendered social justice concerns. Without targeted interventions that address both environmental sustainability and gender inequality, women’s livelihoods and community food systems will continue to face significant threats. Future research is needed to produce empirical evidence that showcase the need for more inclusive policies for a sustainable and inclusive fisheries sector. Expanding research in this area would help policymakers better understand women’s realities and design interventions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, ensuring that fisheries governance addresses not only ecological conservation but also the gendered dimensions of livelihood security and community resilience.