Value Chain Dynamics and the Small-Scale Sector: A Summary of Findings and Policy Recommendations for Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade

Abstract

This article centers on an FAO project that focused on price transmission in fishery and aquaculture value chains, and the research conducted via case studies in 14 developed and developing countries. A brief overview of the project with the methodology of analysis and findings for each country is summarized in this work. In addition, general policy recommendations that emerged as key themes across all value chains are discussed. Across all case studies, it was found that relative to other players in the value chain, small-scale fishers and fish farmers are receiving the smallest economic benefits for their products. Processors and retail markets were found to be receiving more of the distributional benefits of the value chain owing to their stronger bargaining power. With this finding, policy recommendations aim to safeguard the interests of small-scale fishers and fish farmers by improving their prices and margins while allowing the resource to achieve long-term sustainability from an economic, social and biological perspective.

Keywords:

• FAO
• price transmission
• small-scale
• value chains

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The FAO Project Focal Point, Dr Audun Lem and members of the international steering committee (among the leading professionals in fisheries and aquaculture around the world) provide guidance and support in launching the project. They followed its progress and provided helpful inputs throughout. Both organizations (Norad and FAO) maintained sustained participation in the study, coordinated its numerous reviews and provided inputs to its draft and finalization.

The team of national consultants undertook the case studies within a limited time frame and budget. The core of the FAO Technical Article on the full study is based on the information provided by their significant and dedicated work.

Finally, many thanks go to all the agents in the fisheries and aquaculture value chains, including the fishers and fish farmers, processors, retailers, wholesalers, exporters and importers, for taking time out of their demanding work to allow the national consultants to collect many of the data needed to generate this analysis and final document.