The invisibility of women in the value chain of small-scale fisheries: case studies from West Africa

Women play a pivotal role in the downstream activities of the fishing industry. They are primarily engaged in artisanal processing (a long-standing practice prevalent along Senegal's coastal and estuarine regions) as well as in scaling, shellfish collection, small-scale trading, and the marketing of fish products.

Senegal's marine fishing sector is a highly dynamic economic and social driver. Despite its rapid expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, the industry was severely impacted by the major drought of 1970-74, which brought inconsistent rainfall and reduced crop yields (notably for peanuts, millet, and corn). This crisis accelerated the decline of agricultural areas in the interior and significantly undermined the traditional economy and living standards of rural communities. The resulting hardships in rural areas spurred women to integrate into the economic landscape, where they now play a vital role in household survival. For instance, fishing has become a sector in which thousands of women actively participate along the entire value chain, making up over a quarter (27%) of the workforce.

The artisanal processing sub-sector is predominantly led  by women (90%). Along Senegal’s coast, more than 7,500 women are active in the artisanal processing areas established, creating significant wealth and income for both local and national economies. In this activity, women are a driving force for development and transformers of society. The income generated helps to meet family needs (daily expenses, children's schooling, social actions, etc.) and to support micro-businesses.

However, women's contribution to the fishing industry is often underestimated, both in scientific research and in social representations of the sector, official statistics and management practices and policies. Women encounter social and cultural barriers, marked by unequal male/female relations, particularly in an environment perceived as a man's world.

This proposal aims to examine the marginalization of women in the industry through a multidisciplinary approach, based on field data collection. It incorporates participant observation and both quantitative and qualitative surveys. Leveraging the accessibility of women and the existing organizational structures (CBOs, EIGs, associations, local unions, and federations), the research favors “open” or conversational interviews, as they elicit more detailed responses. Analyzing the social, economic, ecological, and political implications of their work is enriched by a literature review that sheds light on the processes of invisibilization and highlights policies aimed at increasing their visibility.