Theses & Dissertations

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.