Abstract

Sustainable change in the fish value chain is crucial for achieving gendered food security, improved livelihoods, and economic empowerment of individuals. Fisheries are hindered by inequalities between men and women in the sector, affecting the even distribution of benefits, access to resources, and control over resources among actors. This study employed data-driven strategies to understand how the fish value chain functions and reveal differences between men and women in terms of roles, constraints, social context, and opportunities in Edo State, Nigeria. A gender-sensitive quantitative household survey was conducted among 305 randomly selected farmers using well-structured questionnaires in three districts. The study focused on the gendered composition of the value chain. The results revealed that women accounted for 31% of participants, while men accounted for 69%. The study identified several gender-specific constraints that limit women's benefits from the fish value chain, including limited access to productive resources, lack of control over resources, insufficient capital, limited decision-making power, and restricted mobility. These factors contribute to limited women's participation and empowerment in the fish value chain. To conclude, closing the gender gap requires deliberate efforts, including capacity building for women in production value chain nodes, providing women with agency and access to resources and credit, and addressing discriminatory norms to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in Edo State.

Key words: Aquaculture value chain, Gender equality, women’s empowerment, sustainable development goals, aquaculture.