Gender Dynamics and Women’s Empowerment: A Case of Small Scale Fish Business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Women play important roles in fisheries, fishing and fish trading. However, they are a disadvantaged group in the fishing sub-sector; as a result, their levels of empowerment and business development have remained low. This is probably due to the fact that the small scale fish business sub-sector carries the image of men than women, which leads to women working in the sub-sector tending to experience inequality. Therefore, this study was undertaken to: (i) Analyse gender dynamics within the small-scale fish business, (ii) Assess gender related factors influencing small-scale fish business growth, (iii) Determine the contribution of small-scale fish business to women empowerment, and (iv) Examine impact of climate variability on gender dynamics in the study area. The study was conducted in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, in Mwanza region Tanzania where a cross-sectional research design was used. Purposive sampling was employed to select Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, wards and six major fish markets were selected namely Busweru Market, Igoma Market, Pasiansi Market, Sabasaba Market, Mwaloni Market and Kamanga Ferry Market. The sample size was calculated using the proportion allocation formula that was adjusted for an infinite population (Kothari, 2004). A combination of minimum probability sampling, and simple and proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 309 respondents involved in small-scale fish business, including both women and men. Qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants Interviews (KIIs); a questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was used to collect quantitative data. The analysis of qualitative data was conducted with the aid of ATLAS.ti computer software. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques were employed, including the construction of index scales and the Women Empowerment Index (WEI). Quantitative data analysis involved the use of inferential analysis: linear regression models, independent sample t-tests, chi square tests, and ordinal logistic regression. The study found that ii gender inequalities exists in all aspects of gender roles, access to and control over resources, and gender relation within Small-scale fish business as well as at the household level. These inequalities, affects women’s participation in the business, women’s financial freedom and access to quality fish products increases not only the burden to women but also marital conflicts resulting into marriage breaks. Results from regression analysis revealed that marital status, SSFB experience, daily capital in SSFB, type of customers, storage facilities and SSFB self-help groups were important predictors (p<0.05) influencing small-scale fish business growth in terms of amount of profit obtained per day. Women’s capital invested and obtained profit were low as compared to their male counterparts (p<0.097). The findings from Ordinal regression show that type of marriage, contributing to family income and accesses to resources were important predictors for women empowerment (p < 0.05). The study found that, men have more comparative advantage and capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting business growth when compared with women. Women’s business growth is constrained by factors such as low capital invested, lack of business skills and lack of business networks. Small-scale fish business contributes to medium levels of empowerment whereby women were found to have average power control over permanent assets, able to contribute on household income and have ability to vote and be elected in political sphere while higher levels of empowerment were evident in the aspects of women participation in household decision making and freedom of movement. The study found the disproportionate burden faced by women in small-scale fish businesses in Mwanza due to climate variability. It is concluded that, gender inequalities embedded in all gender dynamics existing within small-scale fish business negatively affect women's active participation in the business as well as their business growth prospects. Men have a greater comparative advantage to enjoy their participation and benefits obtained from small-scale fish business and they have the capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting SSFB growth when compared to women. Increased education on iii gender equality among policy makers and stakeholders will improve women participation in the Small-scale fish business in order to achieve holistic women’s empowerment. Climate variability has a significant impact on gender dynamics in small-scale fish businesses as it exacerbates adaptive capacity of women in the sector. The study recommends to the government and gender activists to develop a more systematic and rigorous gender responsive strategies to gender equality and equitable participation in all socio economic activities. The study recommends the policy makers to design programmes such as establishment of small-scale fish business groups that will serve as platform for them to share business experiences to stimulate women’s business growth such. To enhance women's empowerment in SSFB policymakers and stakeholders should provide education that address gender norms which perpetuate patriarchy practices, promote women's economic empowerment by supporting access to credit and improving land ownership, and strengthen women's political participation. The study recommends collaboration between government agencies; development organizations and local communities to provide training, support, and market access for women in order to build sustainable practices and climate-resilient technologies in the small scale fish business.