The Dagaa Gendered Value Chain Analysis conducted in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, focuses on small-scale fisheries and the pivotal role women play in the dagaa value chain. This study offers critical insights into the post-harvest sector where women are predominantly involved, exploring the structural and gender-specific challenges they face, while identifying opportunities for improvement and empowerment.
Women are integral to fish processing and trade, yet they encounter significant constraints, such as limited access to credit, land ownership, market information, and decision-making authority. The analysis revealed that only 42% of women’s groups in Musoma and 66% in Muleba districts are formally registered, limiting their access to resources and legal protections. Moreover, women-owned businesses often struggle due to a lack of soft loans and financial services, with only 11% of groups in Musoma reporting access to such funds.
Furthermore, gender-based constraints in the value chain are driven by traditional cultural practices that limit women’s roles in decision-making processes. These barriers extend to labour dynamics, where women are marginalized in male-dominated fishing operations, and even within processing activities, women are often confined to lower-paying, physically demanding tasks with minimal support.
Despite these challenges, the study identifies key opportunities for strengthening women’s involvement in the value chain, including enhanced infrastructure, financial access, and market linkages. Through targeted support such as access to improved drying spaces, market information platforms, and financial literacy programs, establish of processing centers, the productivity and economic empowerment of women in the fisheries sector can be significantly enhanced.
In conclusion, the report underscores the urgent need for policies that promote gender equality in fisheries, especially within the dagaa value chain. Implementing supportive structures and eliminating discriminatory practices will not only boost women’s economic independence but also enhance the sustainability of the fisheries sector in Tanzania. The findings and recommendations aim to foster a more equitable and prosperous future for women in fisheries, aligning with national and regional development goals.