Author: DFM-Admin

Two recent presentations by DFM-supported students, Md Mahfuzar Rahman and Jessie Varquez, at major conferences illuminated critical facets of the dried fish industry.

At the American Anthropological Association (AAA) – Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) Annual Meeting 2023 in Toronto, Canada, Md Mahfuzar Rahman, a PhD Candidate from the University of Manitoba, addressed a key paradox in dried fish production in Bangladesh. Rahman’s presentation titled “Reconciling quality and affordability: tackling the dual challenge of price escalation and quality assurance in dried fish for enhanced nutrition security in Bangladesh” resonated with participants in the Foodscapes in Transition session. His analysis highlighted the struggles faced by Bangladesh’s dried fish sector to develop strategies to improve quality in the context of soaring costs, thin margins, and socio-economic complexities. Rahman showed how compromises in production methods not only jeopardize the industry’s sustainability but also endanger the health of consumers reliant on this vital nutrition source.

For conference details, AAA-CASCA Annual Meeting 2023

On the other side of the globe, at the 45^th International Conference of Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao (UGAT/Anthropological Association of the Philippines), Jessie Varquez, also a PhD Candidate from the University of Manitoba, presented a paper entitled “Byang sang Danggit (Home of Rabbitfish): local knowledge, coastal ecology, and governmentality in Human-Rabbitfish Relations on Bantayan Island.” Varquez’s presentation delved into the intersections of livelihoods, ecology, and governmentality in the social wellbeing of dried fish actors on the island.

For conference details, the 45^th International Conference of Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao

DFM supported student Myo Zaw Aung’s compelling master’s thesis, completed in 2023 as part of his Master of Science program in Gender and Development Studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) under the supervision of Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe, provides a comprehensive insight into the gendered dimensions of Myanmar’s shrimp paste industry. His research sheds light on the complexities of gender inequality in the industry. It provides essential insights that can inform policies and initiatives to promote gender equity, enhance livelihoods, and foster sustainable development in Myanmar’s shrimp paste sector and beyond.

In Myanmar, the shrimp paste industry is a key part of the fisheries sector, with women comprising the majority of its workforce. However, gender-based limitations hinder the professional growth and opportunities available to women in this sector, perpetuating a noticeable barrier to women’s economic independence and overall wellbeing. Aung’s study examines the socio-economic factors that sustain this gender disparity. The research findings reveal a complex interplay of gender roles, labour division, market dynamics, capital access, and vulnerability, all of which have profound implications for the industry’s development and sustainability.

For those interested, the thesis is available in the DFM Zotero library.

Photo credits: Myo Zaw Aung

DFM supported student Uon Sokmoly’s compelling master’s thesis, completed in 2023 as part of her Master of Science program in Gender and Development Studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) under the supervision of Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe, provides a comprehensive insight into the gendered dimensions of Cambodia’s fermented fish paste (Prahok) industry. Her research, Gender Analysis of the Changes in Production and Consumption Patterns of Fermented Fish Paste (Prahok): A Case Study of Women Prahok Makers around Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, uncovers the intricate web of gender, tradition, and economic shifts surrounding the production and consumption of prahok.

Cambodia’s rich history is intrinsically linked with its freshwater fish products, serving as both a vital source of nutrition and income for its people. At the heart of this culinary tradition lies fermented fish paste, known as prahok, a cornerstone of Khmer cuisine. Prahok has been a staple in Cambodian households, cherished for its nutritional value and cultural significance. However, this traditional industry is undergoing a transformative shift; the Cambodian government’s recent relocation efforts for communities residing on the lake, coupled with declines in fish yields, the prahok landscape has faced unprecedented challenges.  Women who play a pivotal role in prahok production and consumption are at the center of this change. Sokmoly’s study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing changes in prahok production and consumption, encompassing shifts in food preferences, income generation, gender roles, and cultural norms. Sokmoly’s study serves as an invaluable contribution to the fields of gender studies, cultural preservation, and economic development and underscores the need for gender-responsive policies and support mechanisms to address the evolving challenges faced by women prahok makers.

For those interested, the thesis is available in the DFM Zotero library.

In their recent article, Dammed Waterways and a Colonial Legacy: Statutory Law-Making in the Conservancy of Indian Fisheries, 1867-1897, published in Global Environment, Sashi Sivramkrishna and Amlendu Jyothsi embark on a captivating historical journey, unravelling the complexities of colonial law-making in India during the late 19^th century. The study meticulously traces the evolution of statutory law for the conservancy of Indian fisheries, challenging the conventional view of it as a straightforward transformation. Their study offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting that the development of laws was not a linear transformation but a multifaceted and intricate process.

From the earliest calls for fisheries conservancy in 1867 to the eventual passage of the Indian Fisheries Act in 1897, Sivramkrishna and Jyotshi navigate the intricate tapestry of colonial governance. These legal developments by the colonial government were not just administrative decisions but strategic moves aimed at legitimizing control over vital resources. The authors highlight the pivotal role played by individuals seeking recognition within this dynamic legal landscape. The study offers insights into the interplay of concerns over food security and the potential resistance of local populations, providing a rich understanding of the multifaceted factors that culminated in the eventful passage of the Indian Fisheries Act 1897. This article not only enriches our historical knowledge but also underscores the importance of local expertise and leadership in shaping policies, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating intricacies of colonial governance and conservation efforts in India during the colonial era.

For those interested, here is the link to the paper – Dammed Waterways and a Colonial Legacy: Statutory Law-Making in t…: Ingenta Connect

The paper can also be found in the DFM Zotero library.

Myanmar’s dried fish industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. DFM supported A Myint Zu to pursue a Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) under the supervision of Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe. Myint Zu completed her program in 2023. Her master’s thesis, Assessing the impacts of triple crises on the men and women owned small-scale dried fish productions: a case study in Ayeyarwady region, Myanmar, revealed the intricate impacts of a triple crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, and economic fluctuations – on small-scale dried fish production in the Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar. Myint Zu’s study illuminates the resilience and adaptability of the small-scale dried fish sector in the face of adversity. As the crises disrupted travel, reduced demand and led to volatile prices, dried fish entrepreneurs showed remarkable adaptability and innovation. They diversified their income sources, adjusted prices, and altered their working hours to overcome these hurdles. Notably, the study revealed gender-specific differences in coping strategies driven by factors like market preferences, working capital, and risk management. Moreover, access to credit and trust played pivotal roles in shaping these strategies. These gender-specific coping strategies highlight the importance of understanding gender-specific impacts and tailoring interventions accordingly.

For those interested, the thesis is available in the DFM Zotero library.

Professor Dr. Mirza Taslima Sultana from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, has been awarded the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program 2023-24. This US State Department award is for a nine-month visiting scholar position in UC Berkeley’s Department of Gender and Women Studies. Dr. Taslima will be conducting research on “Gender-based Trolling and the Public: Impact and Activism in Bangladesh and the United States.” Professor Taslima has been working on this issue for the last two years. Men, women, non-binary, or LGBTQ people are experiencing trolling; however, almost everywhere, the language of troll is very gendered. Furthermore, the extent of trolling and the resulting marginalization are not the same everywhere. Also, differences exist in addressing the problem legally. In this study, she plans to compare how trolling is shaping the public sphere in Bangladesh, where the idea of democracy is relatively new, and the USA, where democracy has been practiced for a long time. Dr. Taslima will explore how activists are addressing the issue and supporting trolling victims in these two countries. She has already done her field research for the study in Bangladesh; she will now undertake her research in the USA.