The gendered dimensions of small-scale fishing activities: A case study from coastal Kenya

Although women contribute substantially to the small-scale fisheries sector globally, in many countries there is a severe lack of gender-disaggregated data on fishing activities. This gender data gap hampers a comprehensive understanding of small-scale fisheries dynamics with implications for fisheries management and food security. In this study, we investigate women's and men's engagement in small-scale fishing through a case study in coastal Kenya, a region characterized by a high dependence on fisheries for local livelihoods and nutritional needs. We applied a mixed method approach, combining participant observation, photography, semi-structured interviews on gender identities (n = 11) and gendered fishing practices (n = 28), an individual survey (n = 141), and pebble games (n = 35). Our results reveal a marked gendered division of labor across the seascape, with women mostly fishing in intertidal areas and men beyond the reef. Further, we find that women's fishing practices are characterized by less fishing gear, less catch, a lower functional diversity of catches, less fishing effort, and less income than those of men. However, women's catches contribute significantly to local diets, accounting for up to 50% of the fish and seafood consumed in fisherwomen-headed households. Despite women's fishing activities appearing less productive and profitable that those of men, they are important for achieving food security in Kenyan coastal communities. Results from this study contribute to broadening our understanding of the gendered dimensions of small-scale fishing and highlight relevant information for developing gender-inclusive management strategies. We conclude by providing key recommendations for fisheries research, management, and governance.