Supporting Women Fish Processors for Sustainable Livelihoods
Fish processing is an important source of income for many women in Ghana’s coastal communities. Through its work with fish processors, Development Action Association (DAA) supports women to improve their processing practices, strengthen their livelihoods, access knowledge and skills, and take part in efforts to promote sustainable fisheries.
DAA’s work with fish processors forms one of its four main operating areas and is closely connected to its wider goal of empowering grassroots communities to become self-reliant and actively participate in their own development.
Who We Work With
DAA works primarily with rural women and grassroots associations. About 98% of the organisation’s beneficiaries are rural women, many of whom have limited formal education. Fish processors are an important part of these communities, relying on fish processing and related activities to support their families and livelihoods.
Our work recognises the knowledge and experience women already possess while providing opportunities for them to gain additional skills, improve their businesses and contribute to decisions affecting their communities and the fisheries sector.
What We Do
DAA provides support that helps women fish processors improve their work and participate more effectively in the fisheries value chain.
Fish Processing Training
DAA supports fish processors through training and capacity building designed to improve knowledge, skills and practices related to fish processing.
The organisation’s work has included training on improved fish processing and post-harvest practices, helping women understand ways of improving the quality, hygiene and handling of processed fish.
Post-Harvest Fisheries Support
DAA has advocated for improved fisheries extension services for women involved in fish processing. In 2015–2016, the organisation undertook advocacy work on post-harvest fisheries extension services, highlighting the need for women fish processors to have access to relevant information and support.
Improved Processing Practices
From its early community development work, DAA has promoted improved fish smoking and storage technology as part of efforts to help communities strengthen food security and livelihoods.
The organisation continues to support women in gaining knowledge that can contribute to better processing practices and improved outcomes from their work.
Training and Capacity Building
Training is central to DAA’s approach. The organisation works to transfer skills and competencies to grassroots communities while creating opportunities for local associations to strengthen their capacity and become more self-reliant.
Women’s Participation in Fisheries
DAA also works to ensure that women involved in fisheries have a voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods.
The organisation has advocated for greater representation of women on fisheries-related structures, including the Fisheries Commission. It has also supported efforts to make fisheries legislation more accessible by promoting the translation of fisheries law into five local languages.
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
The future of fish processing depends on healthy and productive fisheries. For this reason, DAA’s work with fish processors also connects with broader efforts to promote responsible and sustainable fisheries management.
In 2015, DAA became one of eight partners working with the USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP). The project focused on rebuilding targeted fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices and appropriate levels of exploitation.
Through this work, DAA has helped connect women fish processors with wider discussions and activities around the sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
Building Better Opportunities for Women
DAA believes that empowering women goes beyond providing training. Women need opportunities to organise, access information, participate in decision-making and build stronger livelihoods.
Our work therefore supports grassroots associations and encourages women to take an active role in issues affecting their communities and economic activities.
This approach reflects DAA’s mission to promote participatory and self-reliant grassroots movements that are empowered to take charge of their development needs.
Supporting Hygiene and Quality in Fish Processing
Good hygiene and proper handling are important to the quality and safety of processed fish.
DAA’s work with women fish processors has included activities that recognise the importance of improved processing and hygiene practices. This work has produced encouraging recognition for women in the communities where DAA operates.
Women fish processors from Winneba, Apam and Ga South received awards as best fish processors, while in 2017 a fish processor from Tsokomey received second place in a hygienic fish processor award.
These achievements demonstrate what women can accomplish when they have access to training, support and opportunities to improve their practices.
Fisheries Training and Community Support
DAA’s fisheries work has also contributed to the development of training facilities for people involved in the sector.
In 2016, the organisation received support for an interim training centre at Tsokomey. In June 2018, DAA benefited from a training centre supported by USAID, the Coastal Resources Center of the University of Rhode Island, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission. The facility was intended to support sustainable development within Ghana’s fishing industry.
These facilities have strengthened opportunities for learning, training and community engagement within the fisheries sector.
Working With Communities
DAA works with grassroots groups across communities in Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, Volta and Oti Regions. Its wider programmes cover food security, fish processing, agriculture, micro-credit, vegetable production, fish production and small animal rearing.
By working directly with community associations, DAA seeks to ensure that development initiatives respond to the needs and experiences of the people they are intended to serve.
