Abstract: This exploratory research examines the gendered dimensions of occupational health and hygiene provisions among dried fish processing workers in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, through the lens of feminist political ecology (FPE) and intersectionality. Using qualitative methods, including ethnographic observations, interviews, and oral history conversations, the research investigates how gendered division of labour and inadequate workplace infrastructure affect the health, dignity, and agency of workers, particularly women. The findings reveal that women predominantly occupy low-paid, labour-intensive roles with minimal access to sanitation, protective equipment, or safe rest areas, while men often hold supervisory or decision-making positions that offer better working conditions. Patriarchal workplace governance and social taboos related to menstruation, pregnancy, and caregiving further marginalize women’s health and well-being. Additionally, the absence of regulatory oversight and collective bargaining mechanisms, as well as threats from climate-induced hazards, intensify their vulnerability. Despite their central contributions to the dried fish economy, women workers are excluded from khola (yard) governance structures and denied access to basic occupational rights. This study highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive labour policies and governance reforms that address the intersecting environmental, social, and institutional inequalities embedded in this informal sector. It calls for inclusive governance that ensures fair wages, occupational safety, access to healthcare, and the active participation of women in workplace decision-making. By foregrounding women’s perspectives and everyday realities, this study adds to the broader efforts to promote fairness, sustainability, and safety in the fisheries sector.
Abstract: The social wellbeing of the women who work in the dried fish value chains of Teknaf, Bangladesh is interlinked with the patriarchal society and the state. On the one hand, women are engaging themselves with the value chains as economic actors and contributing to them. On the other hand, they face various patriarchal constraints. Women work as laborers in the processing sites day and night to support the processing site owners but suffer financial exploitation and unequal treatment, and often sexual harassment in return. They also must tolerate social stigma because of working late at night. Furthermore, processing site owners and male laborers belittle the responsibilities of female laborers in the kholas. Women’s mobility is controlled by patriarchal ideology centered in the family, neighbors, and society. Women support dried fish processing site owners through their home work but without any payment in return. If they are abandoned by their husband, brothers, or sons, their futures become even more uncertain and insecure. The patriarchal orientation of state policy is indicated by women’s exclusion from all fishing related laws and policies. Nonetheless, women are not passive recipients of these patriarchal constraints, rather they have strategies to negotiate with the patriarchal system for their social wellbeing. Negotiation occurs through their everyday employment and engagements within the value chains. Female laborers between the ages of 35 and 72 have built an unofficial association to argue for financial and other benefits. Often, they accommodate one patriarchal ideology to negotiate with another. Their clothing and where they construct their houses are relevant examples in this regard. Women use symbolic strategies to contest patriarchal constraints within the khola and in society. Moreover, bargaining with the patriarchal system is constantly changing through the everyday engagements of the female laborers within the dried fish value chains in Teknaf, Bangladesh.
Abstract: The fisheries sector is a crucial aspect of Myanmar’s economy and nutrition, employing approximately 3.2 million people in the Delta region. This study focuses on the Ayeyarwady region, which is the most populous state in Myanmar and a significant producer of dried fish products. Using qualitative research methods, the study examines how gender and intersectionality influence the management of micro and small-size shrimp paste production businesses in the region. The study found that women tend to operate smaller businesses than men and face more significant challenges due to limited access to financial capital and social norms that restrict their participation in fishing activities. The pandemic has further worsened the situation for women, limiting their access to stable markets. In contrast, men-led businesses produced more on average, resulting in a higher estimated monthly income. Decision-making within households regarding shrimp paste businesses was typically shared by both the wife and husband, with varying levels of leadership depending on the activity. Women held significant decision-making power, particularly related to food management, household asset purchases, large household expenses, managing credit and savings, and healthcare expenditures. Shrimp-paste-making households engaged in other income-generating activities, prioritizing their income towards loan repayment, food, and investment. While processors located in remote areas adopted a collective approach when purchasing materials and selling their products to minimize transportation costs and leverage their collective bargaining power, most processors did not participate in collective buying and selling activities. The potential benefits of the collective market approach did not have a specific impact on the socio-economic development of small-scale fishers as they did not fully adopt or participate in the approach. This study’s findings could aid development agencies and government departments in designing projects and formulating policies that support the sustainable growth of these businesses.
Abstract: Dried fish has been one of the essential components of south and southeast Asian countries’ food supplies and, provide livelihoods for many people, including migrant women. Despite the industry’s significance, migrant women entrepreneurs face unique challenges due to their migrant and female status. These challenges impact their social well-being both positively and negatively. Studies focus on fish drying and processing methods, but it is rarely acknowledged that migrant women dried fish entrepreneurs confront additional obstacles due to their status as migrants and women. This study explores these experiences and their effects by conducting in-person interviews with women engaged in small-scale dried fish processing and trading in Samut Sakhon province. The study finds that motivations for entering the dried fish business include personal circumstances, market demand, cultural familiarity, self-employment desire, and income potential. Business networks play a crucial role in success, aiding in resource access, support, and opportunities. Common challenges include legal constraints, logistical issues, financial struggles, and environmental impacts on product handling. Women entrepreneurs utilize different approaches to source products, manage finances, and adapt to market conditions. Problem-solving, negotiation skills, emotional coping, and support from informal networks also play crucial roles in navigating the complexities of the industry. The study evaluates various aspects, such as financial well-being, income contribution, relationships, risk perception, satisfaction, and gender dynamics. Financial well-being varies, with some achieving stability and assets, while others struggle. Participation in dried fish value chain positively affects relational wellbeing by fostering connections with customers, friends, and family. Subjective wellbeing is influenced by self-sufficiency, financial stability, and personal contentment. Gender relations have evolved, enhancing autonomy and communication, though challenges persist in managing work-life balance and traditional gender roles. Despite these challenges, the dried fish industry remains an attractive option for women seeking independence and economic opportunities.
Abstract: The dried fish is a reliable source of nourishment for the people of Myanmar, regardless of their socioeconomic situation (Lin et al., 2022), and according to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 2006, the typical person consumes 20 kg of fish and fish products annually (Needham & Funge-Smith, 2015). The research on the consumption of dried fish is highly limited and focuses primarily on the general consumption patterns of the research region (see http://driedfishmatters.org/). The research focuses on dried fish consumption in terms of gender perspective is quite limited. The research was conducted in order to have an understanding of the dried fish consumption of Myanmar people by the difference in gender with inclusion of their identity such as age, ethnicity, occupation and origin, so on. The research was carried with approach of the mixed of quantitative and qualitative research methods by conducting the questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews and Key-informant interviews among the various Myanmar migrants who are working in different employments in Mahachai sub-district of Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. Migrants of diverse ethnicities and origin states and areas continue to consume dried fish products at the same rate in their home country and in their new environment. There are no statistically significant variations in the proportion of dried fish consumed by male and female migrants, and the indicated proportions are comparable. The decision to include dried fish items in one’s daily diet is without regard to one’s gender identity— whether it be male or female—and is also not connected to other fundamental identities like age, occupation, ethnicity, social networks, and so forth. The average amount of dried fish products consumed by a female migrant is not significantly different from that of a male migrant, and both genders consume around 0.6 kg of dried fish products each week in total. Migrants from Myanmar consume somewhat less dried fish in their new surroundings than they did before to migration. Household members’ gender roles shift as a result of migration, which in turn alters their preferences for and consumption of dried fish products in term of decreasing in the quantity, frequency and types of consumed dried fish products different. Burmese migrants typically consume dried Snakehead fish, dried Anchovy, fermented fish (Nga-Chin), and other dried fish varieties. Both in terms of total v consumption and consumption in the previous week, dried shrimp and fish paste are the most popular dried fish items among Myanmar migrants in Thailand. Migrants from Myanmar consume an average of four dried fish dishes per week, with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten meals per week.The most plentiful source of dried fish products for Myanmar migrants is the market near to their houses, followed by grocery stores that sell Burmese dry foods and grocery items and Burmese entrepreneurs who sell their own home made dried fish products. Authorities and local organizations should prioritize nutrition knowledge and establish a policy framework for small businesses to benefit both the host country and migrant populations. Further research on the Burmese dried fish supply channels and empowerment of women migrants are recommended.
Abstract: The dried fish is a reliable source of nourishment for the people of Myanmar, regardless of their socioeconomic situation (Lin et al., 2022), and according to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 2006, the typical person consumes 20 kg of fish and fish products annually (Needham & Funge-Smith, 2015). The research on the consumption of dried fish is highly limited and focuses primarily on the general consumption patterns of the research region (see http://driedfishmatters.org/). The research focuses on dried fish consumption in terms of gender perspective is quite limited. The research was conducted in order to have an understanding of the dried fish consumption of Myanmar people by the difference in gender with inclusion of their identity such as age, ethnicity, occupation and origin, so on. The research was carried with approach of the mixed of quantitative and qualitative research methods by conducting the questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews and Key-informant interviews among the various Myanmar migrants who are working in different employments in Mahachai sub-district of Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. Migrants of diverse ethnicities and origin states and areas continue to consume dried fish products at the same rate in their home country and in their new environment. There are no statistically significant variations in the proportion of dried fish consumed by male and female migrants, and the indicated proportions are comparable. The decision to include dried fish items in one’s daily diet is without regard to one’s gender identity— whether it be male or female—and is also not connected to other fundamental identities like age, occupation, ethnicity, social networks, and so forth. The average amount of dried fish products consumed by a female migrant is not significantly different from that of a male migrant, and both genders consume around 0.6 kg of dried fish products each week in total. Migrants from Myanmar consume somewhat less dried fish in their new surroundings than they did before to migration. Household members’ gender roles shift as a result of migration, which in turn alters their preferences for and consumption of dried fish products in term of decreasing in the quantity, frequency and types of consumed dried fish products different. Burmese migrants typically consume dried Snakehead fish, dried Anchovy, fermented fish (Nga-Chin), and other dried fish varieties. Both in terms of total v consumption and consumption in the previous week, dried shrimp and fish paste are the most popular dried fish items among Myanmar migrants in Thailand. Migrants from Myanmar consume an average of four dried fish dishes per week, with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten meals per week.The most plentiful source of dried fish products for Myanmar migrants is the market neDar to their houses, followed by grocery stores that sell Burmese dry foods and grocery items and Burmese entrepreneurs who sell their own home made dried fish products. Authorities and local organizations should prioritize nutrition knowledge and establish a policy framework for small businesses to benefit both the host country and migrant populations. Further research on the Burmese dried fish supply channels and empowerment of women migrants are recommended.
Abstract: The present study aims to investigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, the political crisis, and the energy crisis on the women-led small-scale dried fish production businesses and men-led small-scale dried fish production businesses and their coping strategies to adapt to the effects of the Crises. Qualitative research methodology has used to reveal gendered impacts of crises. The research finding indicates that many small-scale dried fish production businesses were affected by the different interruptions of the crises. The crises created not only business operational obstacles but also financial hardships. However, many small-scale dried fish production businesses have created various adaptation strategies to cope with the impacts of crises. Changing the selling method or channel, selling dried fish by adjusted price, using credit and saving, and traveling at a safe time were the common strategies to adapt to the impacts of different crises. The variant marketing strategies, the habit of avoiding potential risks, and lack of adequate business operating cash flow differentiate in receiving the effects between med-led and women-led business. Similarly, the financial availability, access, and willingness to take credit have led to disparate coping mechanisms by the gender of the businesses’ owner. This research contributes to the fisheries and gender literature by evaluating the impacts of crises, coping mechanisms, and the factors that influence the crises’ effects and adaptive capacity of the small-scale dried fish production businesses led by men and women. Understanding the influence factors helps to develop the factors mitigate the similar crises’ effects in the future.
Abstract: Dried fish is a sub-sector within small-scale fisheries that makes significant contributions to livelihoods, wellbeing, and survival of fishing communities. The term ‘dried fish’ refers to the fish processed using simple, low-cost, low-technology methods such as sun-drying, salting, fermenting, and smoking. The dried fish sub-sector is organized into value chains, which encompass a series of sequential activities from fish harvesting to processing, trading, distribution, and consumption. Dried fish value chains are deeply gendered through the division of labour that exists within them. Women make up about half of the fish drying workforce and they are also employed across the value chains. However, women’s presence in dried fish value chains and their contributions are rarely documented and remain ‘invisible’. Furthermore, women face significant challenges in equitably benefitting from their value chain participation. Nonetheless, women are rarely involved in any decision-making concerning the challenges they face or the resources they interact with. A particular research gap exists in relation to the nuances of how women and men participate in these value chains and pursue wellbeing. Addressing this gap is crucial to identify opportunities to better support the wellbeing of those who critically depend on dried fish value chains. The purpose of this research is to advance a gender-sensitive understanding of how dried fish value chains support social wellbeing, with a focus on women’s experiences, and to explore the implications for fisheries governance. Three objectives frame this research: (1) to develop a conceptual framework based on existing literature to integrate gender within the study of dried fish value chains; (2) to critically assess women’s experiences in governing small-scale fisheries more broadly; and (3) to empirically examine how dried fish value chains support gendered dimensions of social wellbeing and identify implications for fisheries governance in Sri Lanka. An integrated framework was first developed to broaden the conceptual and analytical scope of the study of gender within dried fish value chains. The framework established the direction of this research and also offered guidance to ongoing scholarship at the intersection of gender and small-scale fisheries more broadly. The framework was developed by linking three complementary areas of literature: value chains, social wellbeing, and intersectionality. Three case examples from Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka were also drawn from literature to demonstrate the application of the framework in systematically unpacking the complexity of gendered value chain experiences. Notably, the conceptual and analytical linkages encouraged by this framework resulted in a deeper analysis of gender relations within dried fish value chains with a focus on how certain groups are uniquely disadvantaged. Next, a systematic scoping review was used to survey the global empirical literature to examine women’s experiences in influencing and shaping small-scale fisheries governance. The review identified, characterized, and synthesized 54 empirical cases at the intersection of gender and SSF governance. Findings of the review revealed the crucial need to expand the current evidence base on this topic and enabled the synthesis of a typology of governance tasks performed by women. These tasks include leadership roles, relational networking and collective action, resource monitoring, and knowledge sharing. The review addressed an important gap in the literature, and helped highlight the opportunities to improve women’s participation in governance and advance gender equality. vi Finally, a comparative analysis of two distinct dried fish value chain cases from Sri Lanka — an urban coastal value chain and a rural inland freshwater value chain — was used to empirically examine the social wellbeing experiences of women and men participating in these value chains. The cases allowed for the examination of diversity of dried fish value chains and the place-based nature of livelihood opportunities supported by them. The cases were developed using in-depth field interviews (n=70) with dried fish producers and key informant interviews (n=19) with stakeholders who has influence over value chain activities (e.g., community leaders, fisheries managers, and development officers). The comparative analysis highlighted that the people participating in both coastal and inland dried fish value chains derive material, relational, and subjective wellbeing in nuanced ways, with substantial differences between the experiences of women and men. For example, all full-time fish drying sites in the coastal community are owned and operated by men whereas women only participate as wage workers in these sites. Findings revealed that dried fish value chains are of disproportionate importance to the wellbeing of socioeconomically marginalized people in fishing communities. The findings also revealed that increased commercialization has a negative impact on women’s participation in value chains and the relational underpinnings in safeguarding interests of marginalized groups in general. Moreover, increased commercialization appeared to put intergenerational capacity to support wellbeing at risk. Outcomes of this study have the potential to inform policy and practice interventions that seek to foster gender equitable wellbeing outcomes in fishing communities. For instance, findings highlight that recognizing the value chain roles performed by women requires counting different types of fish drying operations whereas supporting their wellbeing requires a range of solutions that can safeguard the diverse community-embedded value chain activities. While findings specifically address dried fish value chains, they hold relevance and applicability to fisheries and natural resource governance more broadly.
Abstract: Sea food acts as a main component in the diet of most countries around the world and contributes as a main supply of animal protein. The demand of dried fish is met by both local production and imports but, Sri Lanka is endowed with marine resources. There are so many researches done on dried fish nutrients, supply chain and markets. But the price analysis on dried fish has been done rarely. Price analysis with the analysis of market profitability and efficiency helps the policy makers to discover sustainable and an entire marketing strategies. The research was conducted to find out the pricing mechanism of both rural and urban dried fish markets of Batticaloa and compare them with the Colombo dried fish market using price indices. The research was done with the primary data and the secondary data which was collected from HARTI. The average wholesale and retail prices and their standard deviations were calculated. Spanish mackerel had the highest average prices among the selected varieties of dried fish in both rural and urban dried fish markets. Marketing costs were higher in urban sector than the rural at producer, wholesaler levels and lower in retailer level in the percentage of total costs. Wholesalers had the highest profit margin in both rural (21.2%) and urban (14.9%) sectors as they set high mark-up. Spanish mackerel has the highest producer share (87%) in rural and String rays has the highest producer share (88%) in urban sector. Queen fish and Skip jack tuna have the highest wholesale and retailer share (23%) in rural and Skip jack tuna has the highest wholesale and retailer share (23%) in urban sector. The marketing efficiencies for Queen fish, Mackerel shark, Giant catfish, String rays and imported sprats were higher in urban sector than in rural sector and marketing efficiencies for Spanish mackerel, Skip jack tuna and White sardinella were higher in rural sector than in urban sector. Prices of White sardinella and imported sprats are higher and Spanish mackerel, Mackerel shark and Giant catfish were lower compared to Colombo market price in rural sector at producer level. Retail prices of II Colombo dried fish market are higher than Batticaloa dried fish markets. There was a positive correlation between Colombo dried fish market at retail level yet it was not significant and negative correlation between wholesale level with Colombo dried fish market but it was significant. The dried fish market of urban Batticaloa is better comparing to the Colombo market as well as the Batticaloa rural market. The urban dried fish market of Batticaloa had more varieties of dried fish efficiency compared to the rural dried fish market and it had more producer share as well. Though it had low profit compared to the rural dried fish market, it had low marketing cost with high efficiency. The average prices of wholesale and retail were low in urban dried fish market compared to the rural dried fish market which was a sign of a healthy economy of our nation.
Abstract: Marine dried fish processing is one of the main occupations in fishing communities in Matara district. It can be broadly developed as a major part of Sri Lankan economy. This study was analyzed the supply chains of selected marine dried fish varieties in Matara district. Although dried fish industry is more significant, there is no any research have been done about this sector in Matara district. On this background, this research was attempted to assess the supply chains of selected marine dried fish industry with main three objectives as identify the major dried fish supply chain/s in Matara district, analyze the market margin at different nodes in major dried fish supply chains and suggest pragmatic solutions for the major problems in each node of supply chains. To understand the marketing structure, a survey was conducted amongst the dried fish vendors and producers. Total sample size of the study was 100 comprising of 50 dried fish processors and 50 dried fish vendors (10 marketing agents, 20 wholesalers and 20 retailers). Snowball sampling technique was used for the selection of sample. Two structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was collected by using readily available sources as journals, newspapers, books and websites etc. Data were presented by using descriptive methods. Data analysis revealed that there are major seven types of dried fish varieties are produced in Matara district and three major supply chains can be identified. Producer, wholesaler, retailer, marketing agent and consumer acts as linkages. The study revealed that marketing margins for all selected dried fish varieties were relatively higher in consumer markets. Intermediaries of the market faced various problems like inadequate capital, natural calamities, lack of scientific knowledge and technology, price instability, lack of transport facilities and higher transport cost, lack of inadequate storage facilities and lack of marketing information etc. The study concluded that, although dried fish producers and vendors face many problems, the engagement with this sector is beneficial.
Abstract: Dried fishes (DFs) are considered to be rich in protein, fat, ash and easy to store as well as transport at room temperature. However, they have been neglected for a long time with respect to their nutritional quality, consumption safety and their potential as an innovative food ingredient. To alleviate the serious public health challenge posed by malnutrition and find new possibilities for the food industry, it is particularly important to study the nutritional profile of dried fish and explore their functional characteristics to pave the way for subsequent industrial applications. Therefore, this study explored the nutrient composition of seven different DFs (Bombay duck: BD, Harpadon nehereus; ribbon fish: RF, Trichiurus iepturus; white sardine: WS, Escualosa thoracata; freshwater barb: FB, Puntius spp.; Ganges River sprat: GR, Corica soborna; fermented barb: FM, Puntius spp.; fermented anchovies: FA, Setipnna spp.) collected from four cities (Cox’s Bazar: C; Dhaka: D; Mymensingh: M; Sylhet: S) in Bangladesh. In addition, further investigation was conducted on determining the functional properties of dried fish protein isolates (DFPIs) from Dhaka at neutral pH (7.0), thereby to broaden the value-addition of DFs and explore potential applications of the isolated proteins as ingredients in the food industry. We found that two small indigenous DFs, WS and GR, showed good potential as a protein source because both of them contained more than 75% protein, in which the essential amino acids (EAA) content accounted for 50% of the total amino acids, and the scores of various individual EAAs exceeded 100. In addition, there were significantly (p<0.05) lower contents of sodium and higher potassium in WS and GR, making them good sources of these minerals. An excellent fatty acid profile was detected in WS based on the high levels of EPA (6-7%), DHA (~19%) and other n-3 fatty acids (total n-3 fatty acid: 32-35%), making it a great source of health-promoting essential fatty acids. All the DFs analyzed in this study are good sources of vitamin B12. However, the presence of high levels of heavy metals in several of the DFs, except for WS, is not desirable due to potential adverse effects on human health. In addition, a relatively high cholesterol content (0.17-0.25 µg/g) in GR also limits its promotion potential among consumers as a source of healthy nutrients. In terms of DFPIs’ functional proprieties, it was found that the high concentration of NaCl contained in DFs increased the ionic strength of the extraction environment and caused the isoelectric point (IP) to move towards to acidic direction (pH 4.5). Under neutral pH conditions, BD-D exhibited higher solubility (85.03±1.06%), relatively stable heat coagulability (6.23 ± 0.41 %), excellent water/oil holding capacity (water holding: 7.00 ± 0.47 g/g; oil holding: 20.13 ± 0.14 ml/g), as well as strong gelling ability (least gel concentration: 3%) and emulsifying properties (oil droplets size of 2-3.5 μm; emulsion stability: 70-100 %). Far-UV CD results reflect that β-sheet (20-35%) and random coil (35-46%) are the predominant secondary structures of DFPIs, indicating highly denatured structures. The almost zero ellipticity in the near-UV spectrum also implies that except the GR, most of the tertiary structures in DFPIs are also unfolded. The polypeptide profile lacked the characteristic band of myofibrillar protein at 200 kDa. Instead, the broad bands at 37-25 and 15-10 kDa indicate that the myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein of DFPIs have been degraded into shorter peptides with low molecular weights.
Abstract: Globally, small-scale fisheries provide livelihood and food security to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable populations. Recognising the importance of small-scale fisheries, there is an increasing policy focus on the opportunities and challenges in the sector. The dried fish economy in India is one such sub-sector of small-scale fisheries where women form a significant part of the workforce. Literature on dried fish is limited, and because the economy is informal, human rights challenges often remain invisible. This research focused on the dried fish value chain in Valsad District of India’s Gujarat state. The purpose of the research was to map the dried fish value chain in Valsad District and assess human rights issues in this localised economy. Drawing on ethnographic data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a review of secondary sources, this research described the dried fish value chain in Valsad District. It assessed the procedural and substantive human rights of actors involved in dried fish processing and trade. Key findings from the research include the presence of a vibrant local dried fish value chain connecting coastal areas to the hinterland. Additionally, the research uncovered human rights challenges faced by actors in their daily struggles. The thesis concludes with recommendations for policymakers to integrate a human-rights-based approach in developing this crucial economy.
Abstract: Effective communication in research projects can have direct positive impacts on knowledge co-production and the researchers’ wellbeing. Examining the factors influencing communication requires in-depth observation and understanding of the researchers’ opinions and actions. This study consisted of “researching the researchers”; as part of my thesis research, I observed the interactions of members of an international research project on dried fish in South and South East Asia led by Canadian Anthropologists. The focus was on internal and external communications and revealed that open-mindedness, frequent communication, and transparency are three determinants of effective communication. Moreover, the results show a global agreement on the effectiveness of internal communications, while the results for external communication are more mixed. Studying our own communications by engaging in introspection is something that should be required to produce better outcomes and enhance collaboration in international projects.
