Value chain dynamics and the small-scale

sector

Policy Recommendations for Small- Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade   

Edited by

Trond Bjorndal & Anna Child and Audun Lem

Abstract

     This technical paper focuses primarily on price transmissions in small-scale and Large-scale fishery and aquaculture value chains in 14 developed and developing countries. Although the study is focused on the small-scale sector, both the small-scale and large-scale sectors were analysed in order to demonstrate differences between the two. The document begins with an overview of the entire project and its global implications, reviewing the importance of fisheries and aquaculture to livelihoods, food security and trade as well as the rationale for value chain analysis. It then presents detailed and summarized country-specific information on the research and analysis conducted, presenting analysis methodology, findings and policy recommendations within each country. An additional section focuses on women, summarizing their significant role in fishery and aquaculture value chains in selected countries. Finally, the document outlines the general findings and policy recommendations that emerged as key themes across all value chains analysed. The main findings across case studies are 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. Following this, the policy recommendations made aim to safeguard the interests of  small-scale fishers and fish farmers by enabling them to obtain prices and margins that let them achieve long-term sustainability from an economic, social and biological resource perspective.

    The policy recommendations presented generally relate to increased governmental, NGO and private-sector support, improved organization, consistent pricing methods and making pricing more transparent, the sustainable expansion of small-scale fish farming, an increased focus on promotion and marketing, and the exploration of new markets. However, the report cautions that sustainable resource management and better regulatory framework practices are a necessary condition for small-scale value chains to be sustained. It also highlights the crucial need to always consider and safeguard the impact that increasing trade will have on local food security.

Contents

1. Introduction and background
2. Why study small-scale fisheries and aquaculture valu chains

• The importance of the small-scale sector to livelihoods.
• Fish and fishery products – direct contribution to food security.
• Conclusions on the importance of study.

3. Value chains and supply chains.

• What is the difference?

4. General methodology of the project.

• Steps in analysis.
• Data availability.
• Organizational structure of the project.

5. Africa.

.Ghana – Kenya - Uganda

6. Central and South America

.Honduras - Peru

7. Asia

Bangladesh – Cambodia – Maldives - Thailand

8. Developed countries

Canada – Iceland – Japan – Norway - Spain

9. Women in global fishery and aquaculture value chains

10. Summary findings and policy recommendations.

Africa - Central and South America – Asia - Developed .countries

11. Conclusions

• Overall findings and policy recommendations.
• Areas for further research.

 Prep. / Ayman Ashry

Manage. / Zeinab Osman