Does cage aquaculture address gender goals in development? Results of a case study in Bangladesh.

Abstract

In order to assess whether gender differences affect uptake and participation in aquacultural activities, a study of a cage aquaculture development project managed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Bangladesh was undertaken. CAGES project (Cage Aquaculture for Greater Economic Security) aims to promote the use of low input cage systems for the benefit of the rural resource poor, including women. Using a participatory approach involving semi-structured questionnaires complemented by group discussions with mapping exercises to cross-check information, the role of women was investigated. Distance of the household from the water body was revealed as a major constraint to the full participation of women, especially in the more conservative areas of the country. Time-consuming activities such as the collection and preparation of feed were generally the responsibility of women as part of their ‘household’ tasks. The influence women held over post-harvest decisions varied between region, villages and households, with women in the Jessore area appearing to become more empowered from cage aquaculture activities. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the CAGES project and gender goals in development.

Citation

Brugere, C.; Mcandrew, K.; Bulcock, P. Does cage aquaculture address gender goals in development? Results of a case study in Bangladesh. Aquaculture Economics and Management (2001) 5 (3-4) 179-189. [DOI: 10.1080/13657300109380286]

Does cage aquaculture address gender goals in development? Results of a case study in Bangladesh.

Published 1 January 2001