Gender-inclusive value chains: the case of seaweed farming in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

Abstract

Studies on seaweed productivity enhancement have capitalized on value chain analysis to identify upgrading solutions that would advance the industry. This paper transcends the conventional description of roles of key players in the value chain of seaweed in Zamboanga Peninsula in the Philippines with a focus on gender. The framework for rapid appraisal of fisheries management systems (RAFMS) within the value chain context was utilized to guide the study. Results of the study reveal that though men are very visible in the different nodes of the chain, women have significant involvement in production, post-harvest and in marketing segments. Although women are not directly paid for their efforts considering that seaweed farming is generally a family venture, they contribute a considerable share to the family income. Among value chain players, the gains of the poor men and women farmers were found to be minimal compared to the profits of other players. Results showed that technical assistance to the farmers was a potential strategy to enhance the participation and gains of the husband-farmers, together with the wives/women involved in seaweed production. Having these gender-specific results highlights the importance of integrating gender in value chain research and initiatives.

Keywords:

• Inclusive value chain
• gender
• seaweed
• Philippines
• rapid appraisal

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on the results of a completed research project funded by the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems implemented by WorldFish and Western Mindanao State University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul J. B. Ramirez

Prof. Paul Joseph B. Ramirez is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Formerly a Research Fellow at WorldFish, his research work in the last 10 years includes monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment, economics of climate change, resource valuation, and fish value chains in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Teresita A. Narvaez

Dr. Teresita Alam Narvaez is a Professor at the Department of Agribusiness, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City. She is currently the Vice President for Resource Generation and concurrently the Director of Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC). Her research for the last 20 years has focused on impact assessment, program evaluation, value chain analysis, supply chain studies on sardines, seaweeds, and rubber, and the purification and profitability of locally produced ZamPen native chicken.

Earl J. Santos-Ramirez

Ms. Earl Joanne Santos-Ramirez is a freelance researcher and consultant. With background in natural resource economics, she has been working on economic valuation, impact evaluation, and value chains.