Sustainable Livelihood of Women in Fisheries Value Chain in Akpaka Axis of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the socio-economic status of women involved in fisheries value chain in Akpaka, Onitsha North Local government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The strength, opportunities, aspirations and expected results were examined. Data collection was done through the administration of 40 structured questionnaires and scheduled interviews. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyze the data collected from the study, while SOAR analysis was employed in the deduction of the strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results. The findings from the study revealed that the majority of respondents (50%) were within the active age range of 25–34 years, indicating a relatively young and economically productive population. Most respondents were married (50%) and had attained secondary education (50%), suggesting a moderate level of literacy that could support adoption of improved technologies. Notably, all respondents reported experiencing health and environmental challenges, highlighting significant occupational and environmental risks associated with fish processing activities. The study further showed that fisheries-related activities constituted the primary source of income for most women (82.5%), with a similar proportion engaged on a full-time basis. Fish processing was dominated by smoking, with 100% of respondents processing smoked fish using traditional kilns, despite 95% expressing a preference for modern smoking methods. Marketing was largely conducted through hawking (62.5%), and product demand was generally low (70%), indicating limited market access and profitability. Financial constraints were identified as the most critical challenge (82.5%), compounded by low weekly income levels, with 75% earning less than ₦10,000. Institutional support was notably absent, as none of the respondents reported receiving assistance from government agencies or non-governmental organizations. Participation in cooperatives was also low (15%), limiting access to credit and collective bargaining power. Although gender inequality was reported by only 25% of respondents, it remains a concern within the sector. The SOAR analysis highlighted key strengths such as literacy, skills, and financial independence, alongside opportunities including limited competition and market accessibility. However, achieving improved outcomes requires enhanced government intervention, access to finance, modern processing technologies, and strengthened cooperative systems to boost productivity, income, and overall livelihoods of women in the fisheries value chain.