382
The lack of skill and knowledge transfer in Chipala and Vinthenga underscores
the need for information as a stand-alone capital in the SLA. Odero (2006) recommends that the attachment of information to social capital tends to reduce the visibility and importance of information and knowledge sharing. Ideally, such
knowledge sharing would then feed into evidence-led policymaking processes at
village level. This would ensure that the different stakeholders, such as the BVC and
fish processors, are well equipped to lobby for policies that improve their livelihoods, as well as empowering them to question policies or projects that are not in
their best interest.
A male participant in the FGD at Vinthenga observed that selling fresh fish would
be a suitable alternative to selling solar-dried fish. He also stated that the demand for
solar-dried fish is not vividly high now because of the inconsistent use of the dryer,
which can be attributed both to climate variability as well as the holding capacity of
the dryer. In all the discussions, it was communicated that most people preferred
fresh fish, and that other processing methods are mainly used when FPs return from
the market with fresh fish. Access to ice for people to preserve fresh fish is the only
barrier. One of the challenges with intentional development is the assumption of the
needs of the poor by project implementers (Morse and McNamara 2013). The findings showed emphasis on the preference for fresh fish as compared to any processing method. Some participants also stressed the need for ice-making machines
instead of improved processing technologies such as the dryer and kilns. However,
due to customer preferences there is a demand for processed fish.
3.3 Implications of Gender Perspectives on the Livelihoods
of Fish Processors
Women are the main fish processors in Nkhotakota. With exception of a few male
fish processors, men are more involved in catching fish. There are more than 150
female fish processors in Chipala and Vinthenga, but the figures of male FPs were
not clear amongst the fish processors. Some estimates put them to less than 30 in
both villages. The BVCs could not provide actual figures of fish processors in their
respective villages.
The female FPs explained that at times they hire men to help them transport the
fish from the boat to the dryer or drying racks, as well as to dry their fish. These men
are not their husbands. The participants agreed amongst themselves that the response
from their husbands is normally that they cannot spend their time drying fish, or
helping their wives doing the same.
Understanding the gender perspective of the fish value chain gave insight into the
different processes and roles that men and women play in the value chain and why.
The responses to why women cannot catch fish, for example, gave understanding of
the discourse and who holds power of it. The male participants explained that fishing was forbidden for women due to the heavy workload of fishing, because men
and women are different in physical and mental strength. The perspectives of the
F. W. Kayamba-Phiri et al.
The lack of skill and knowledge transfer in Chipala and Vinthenga underscores
the need for information as a stand-alone capital in the SLA. Odero (2006) recommends that the attachment of information to social capital tends to reduce the visibility and importance of information and knowledge sharing. Ideally, such
knowledge sharing would then feed into evidence-led policymaking processes at
village level. This would ensure that the different stakeholders, such as the BVC and
fish processors, are well equipped to lobby for policies that improve their livelihoods, as well as empowering them to question policies or projects that are not in
their best interest.
A male participant in the FGD at Vinthenga observed that selling fresh fish would
be a suitable alternative to selling solar-dried fish. He also stated that the demand for
solar-dried fish is not vividly high now because of the inconsistent use of the dryer,
which can be attributed both to climate variability as well as the holding capacity of
the dryer. In all the discussions, it was communicated that most people preferred
fresh fish, and that other processing methods are mainly used when FPs return from
the market with fresh fish. Access to ice for people to preserve fresh fish is the only
barrier. One of the challenges with intentional development is the assumption of the
needs of the poor by project implementers (Morse and McNamara 2013). The findings showed emphasis on the preference for fresh fish as compared to any processing method. Some participants also stressed the need for ice-making machines
instead of improved processing technologies such as the dryer and kilns. However,
due to customer preferences there is a demand for processed fish.
3.3 Implications of Gender Perspectives on the Livelihoods
of Fish Processors
Women are the main fish processors in Nkhotakota. With exception of a few male
fish processors, men are more involved in catching fish. There are more than 150
female fish processors in Chipala and Vinthenga, but the figures of male FPs were
not clear amongst the fish processors. Some estimates put them to less than 30 in
both villages. The BVCs could not provide actual figures of fish processors in their
respective villages.
The female FPs explained that at times they hire men to help them transport the
fish from the boat to the dryer or drying racks, as well as to dry their fish. These men
are not their husbands. The participants agreed amongst themselves that the response
from their husbands is normally that they cannot spend their time drying fish, or
helping their wives doing the same.
Understanding the gender perspective of the fish value chain gave insight into the
different processes and roles that men and women play in the value chain and why.
The responses to why women cannot catch fish, for example, gave understanding of
the discourse and who holds power of it. The male participants explained that fishing was forbidden for women due to the heavy workload of fishing, because men
and women are different in physical and mental strength. The perspectives of the
F. W. Kayamba-Phiri et al.