Small-Scale Processing of Fish (ILO - WEP, 1982, 140 p.): CHAPTER V. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: EVALUATION, EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND MANPOWER TRAINING: VI. ASSISTANCE TO THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES SECTOR: MANPOWER TRAINING AND SUPPORTING SERVICES: VI.1. The socio-economic framework

Small-Scale Processing of Fish (ILO - WEP, 1982, 140 p.)

CHAPTER V. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: EVALUATION, EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND MANPOWER TRAINING

VI. ASSISTANCE TO THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES SECTOR: MANPOWER TRAINING AND SUPPORTING SERVICES

		(introduction...)
		VI.1. The socio-economic framework
		VI.2. Infrastructural requirements
		VI.3. Organisation of production and marketing of fresh and cured fish
		VI.4. Extension services and training

VI.1. The socio-economic framework

Any assistance measure in favour of the small-scale fishing sector should take into consideration the socio-economic framework within which the sector operates. This framework may include the following social groups: the fishermen, the small-scale fish producers (e.g. entrepreneurs or the fishermen themselves and their family), the fish traders, the trader-financiers (i.e. middlemen who rent boats and fishing gear to the fishermen and market the catch), the suppliers of various materials inputs and equipment and local consumers. Any assistance provided to the sector should be carefully analysed in terms of its acceptance by the above groups, its impact on productivity and incomes, and its effectiveness in bringing about the desired changes. There are many examples of well-meant assistance which contributed to worsening rather than improving the living conditions of fishing communities. For example, financial inducement to fishermen in an African country. in the form of generous credit - to invest in improved fishing boats and gear failed to achieve the expected results as fuel and repair services were not always available. Another example relates to the use of solar fish dryers (polythene tents): in this case, the dried fish quality was not acceptable to local consumers although it was appreciated by consumers in a neighbouring country.

Assistance to the small-scale fisheries sector should be determined on the basis of a national fish production and processing strategy. Such a strategy should indicate the following: the extent to which fish production and processing should be shared between small-scale and large-scale fisheries; the proportion of fish catches which should be processed into fish meal and that which should be reserved for local consumption; the mix of fish processing technologies which should be promoted, taking into consideration the local and export markets, etc. The strategy may be implemented by a fisheries department in collaboration with local authorities, technology institutions, etc.