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Why the gender transformative approach is critical to achieving more equitable and resilient small-scale fisheries in sub-Saharan Africa

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Accra, Ghana ;

Pages 40 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

Synopsis (short abstract) This issue brief aims to highlight the benefits of adopting the gender transformative approach (GTA) in small-scale fisheries (SSF) projects and initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as an introduction for various stakeholders wishing to gain an initial understanding of how to embed the GTA in fisheries programming. In sub-Saharan Africa, the SSF sector provides nutritious food for local, national, and international markets and underpins local economies in local communities. The SSF sector also provides income and livelihood support to millions, accounting for over 7.5 million men and 2.3 million women. Women are key players in the sector, however, they face major challenges in accessing natural and financial resources, capacity-building, and decision-making arenas at various levels, undermining their access to lucrative business opportunities. The GTA encourages SSF projects, programmes and interventions to foster a different mindset by targeting the root causes of gender inequality and assessing gender dynamics and power relations that perpetuate imbalances such as access to fisheries resources, food security and nutrition, capacity development, decision-making and access to finances and mobility. The gender transformative approach can be put into practice through a suite of different gender transformative methodologies. These include participatory approaches, methods and tools that encourage critical reflection and examination among women and men of gender roles and norms and power dynamics. Adopting the gender transformative approach ultimately contributes to advancing FAO’s commitment towards better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2023. Why the gender transformative approach is critical to achieving more equitable and resilient small-scale fisheries in sub-Saharan Africa. Accra.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc5134en

Language English

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