Gender dynamics and women’s empowerment: a case of small- scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
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Date
2024-02
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Women play important roles in fisheries, fishing and fish trading.
However, they are a disadvantaged group in the fishing sub-sector;
as a result, their levels of empowerment and business development
have remained low. This is probably due to the fact that the small-
scale fish business sub-sector carries the image of men than
women, which leads to women working in the sub-sector tending to
experience inequality. Therefore, this study was undertaken to: (i)
Analyse gender dynamics within the small-scale fish business, (ii)
Assess gender related factors influencing small-scale fish business
growth, (iii) Determine the contribution of small-scale fish business
to women empowerment, and (iv) Examine impact of climate
variability on gender dynamics in the study area. The study was
conducted in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, in Mwanza region
Tanzania where a cross-sectional research design was used.
Purposive sampling was employed to select Ilemela and
Nyamagana Districts, wards and six major fish markets were
selected namely Busweru Market, Igoma Market, Pasiansi Market,
Sabasaba Market, Mwaloni Market and Kamanga Ferry Market. The
sample size was calculated using the proportion allocation formula
that was adjusted for an infinite population (Kothari, 2004). A
combination of minimum probability sampling, and simple and
proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 309
respondents involved in small-scale fish business, including both
women and men. Qualitative data were collected through Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants Interviews (KIIs); a
questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was used
to collect quantitative data. The analysis of qualitative data was
conducted with the aid of ATLAS.ti computer software. Descriptive
statistical analysis techniques were employed, including the
construction of index scales and the Women Empowerment Index
(WEI). Quantitative data analysis involved the use of inferential
analysis: linear regression models, independent sample t-tests, chi-
square tests, and ordinal logistic regression. The study found that gender inequalities exists in all aspects of gender roles, access to
and control over resources, and gender relation within Small-scale
fish business as well as at the household level. These inequalities,
affects women’s participation in the business, women’s financial
freedom and access to quality fish products increases not only the
burden to women but also marital conflicts resulting into marriage
breaks. Results from regression analysis revealed that marital
status, SSFB experience, daily capital in SSFB, type of customers,
storage facilities and SSFB self-help groups were important
predictors (p<0.05) influencing small-scale fish business growth in
terms of amount of profit obtained per day. Women’s capital
invested and obtained profit were low as compared to their male
counterparts (p<0.097). The findings from Ordinal regression show
that type of marriage, contributing to family income and accesses to
resources were important predictors for women empowerment (p <
0.05). The study found that, men have more comparative advantage
and capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting business growth
when compared with women. Women’s business growth is
constrained by factors such as low capital invested, lack of business
skills and lack of business networks. Small-scale fish business
contributes to medium levels of empowerment whereby women were
found to have average power control over permanent assets, able to
contribute on household income and have ability to vote and be
elected in political sphere while higher levels of empowerment were
evident in the aspects of women participation in household decision
making and freedom of movement. The study found the
disproportionate burden faced by women in small-scale fish
businesses in Mwanza due to climate variability. It is concluded that,
gender inequalities embedded in all gender dynamics existing within
small-scale fish business negatively affect women's active
participation in the business as well as their business growth
prospects. Men have a greater comparative advantage to enjoy their
participation and benefits obtained from small-scale fish business
and they have the capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting
SSFB growth when compared to women. Increased education on gender equality among policy makers and stakeholders will improve
women participation in the Small-scale fish business in order to
achieve holistic women’s empowerment. Climate variability has a
significant impact on gender dynamics in small-scale fish businesses
as it exacerbates adaptive capacity of women in the sector. The
study recommends to the government and gender activists to
develop a more systematic and rigorous gender responsive
strategies to gender equality and equitable participation in all socio-
economic activities. The study recommends the policy makers to
design programmes such as establishment of small-scale fish
business groups that will serve as platform for them to share
business experiences to stimulate women’s business growth such.
To enhance women's empowerment in SSFB policymakers and
stakeholders should provide education that address gender norms
which perpetuate patriarchy practices, promote women's economic
empowerment by supporting access to credit and improving land
ownership, and strengthen women's political participation. The study
recommends collaboration between government agencies;
development organizations and local communities to provide
training, support, and market access for women in order to build
sustainable practices and climate-resilient technologies in the small-
scale fish business.
Description
Degree of Doctor of
Philosophy
Keywords
Gender dynamics, Women’s empowerment, Small- Scale Fish Business, Mwanza Region, Tanzania