Gender analysis in fisheries: The case of the shelled mollusc fisheries in Kenya

Abstract

Analysing gender in small-scale fisheries (SSF) is vital for understanding the contributions of women and men and detecting potential inequalities. In this study, the shelled mollusc fishery was examined through the gender lens using quantitative and qualitative data collected from 132 shelled mollusc fishers accross five sites in coastal Kenya. In Kenya, both women and men participate in shelled mollusc fisheries. The study incorporated in its analyses the main components that intersect with gender to investigate whether similarities and differences exist in SSF in coastal Kenya in terms of access to shelled mollusc fisheries resources and the distribution of monetary benefits from the fishery. Most women respondents (73%, n = 91) relied on shelled mollusc fishing as their primary occupation compared to men (17%, n = 41) whose primary occupation was finfish fishing (69%, n = 41). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between women and men fishers in terms of income per individual fisher, time spent fishing, the number of species caught per individual fisher, as well as the monetary value of shells caught. There are several similarities between women and men in this fishery, but with a very important distinction that women more often consider this fishery their primary occupation. Thus, women constitute a large and important part of this fishery in Kenya. To advance coastal and fisheries management, it is essential that women, as well as gender aspects, are included in policy and decision-making processes related to SSF.