between an extensive smallholder sector with limited access to markets and inputs, and a commercial sector
shaped by pioneering lead firms driving total production (The European Commission, 2018; Kaminski et.al,
2018). Furthermore, despite providing employment for around 20,000 individuals, income distribution remains
skewed, with large farmers reaping most profits and wages (The European Commission, 2018).
Women play a prominent role in the value chain, even though their contributions remain under-acknowledged
due to the perception of fish farming as predominantly men's work. This lack of inclusivity hampers the
growth of the sector and its contribution to the local and national economy (Mwema, 2021). This study set out
to examine the specific roles women play in fish farming, identify barriers they face in accessing resources and
opportunities, and propose strategies for enhancing their participation in this vital economic activity. By
highlighting women’s contributions, the research aims to foster greater recognition of their work, promote
gender equity within the industry, and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability in fish farming
practices. Furthermore, it seeks to inform policymakers about integrating gender perspectives into agricultural
policies that affect aquaculture development.
Definition Of Key Concepts
Value chain: The full range of activities required to bring a product or service from conception through
production, transformation, and marketing to delivery to final consumers and final disposal after use (Kapinsky
and Morris, 2000). It encompasses the flow of products, knowledge and information, finance, payments and
social capital needed to organize different activities. In aquaculture, this concerns activities needed to produce,
process, trade, and consume different fish and/or fish products.
Small-scale farmers: these are farmers that are characterized by marginalization in terms of information
accessibility, capital, resources, technology, and assets (Hazell et al., 2007:1). Additionally, Hazell et al.
(2007) point out that there is variability in the degree to which each of these factors is related, highlighting the
absence of a universally recognized definition. The term "small" may refer to the size of land utilized, the
number of workers involved, and/or the amount of capital invested (Gouldthorpe and Goodwin, 2013:55).
Local economy is the total of all economic activity within a nation's borders. It includes production, exchange,
distribution, and consumption and is measured in monetary terms (Durlauf & Blume, 2008).
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The Women in Development (WID) Theory by Ann Oakley (1974)
In exploring the role of the fish business in driving the local and national economy in small-scale farming in
Lusaka Province, it becomes evident that the Women in Development (WID) perspective offers crucial
insights into gender-inclusive approaches within this context.
Traditionally, development theories have often assumed that economic progress automatically benefits
everyone, including women. However, the WID perspective challenges this assumption by emphasizing the
active involvement of women in all facets of value chain growth and development. This perspective rejects the
notion of women as passive recipients of development benefits and highlights their importance as active
participants.
Moser's (1993) five policy approaches within the WID framework provide a strategic roadmap for
implementing gender-inclusive development interventions. For instance, the Equity Approach acknowledges
the multiple roles women play in the household, productive sector, and community. Within the fish business,
this means recognizing women's contributions in processing and marketing and decision-making processes
related to fishing activities and resource management. Policy interventions under this approach can focus on
reducing disparities and enhancing women's self-reliance by giving them equal access to resources, training,
and decision-making opportunities within the fish business.