FAO.org

Artisanal fish product storage is undertaken by processors and traders and may be women or men. There is often, however, a gender division of labour associated with artisanal fish processing, trade and storage. In some countries or regions, such as West Africa, women predominate in processing, trade, and hence in the storage of artisanal fish products.  In order for women artisanal fish processors/traders to maximize their potential and adopt measures which will reduce food loss and waste (FLW), the following are some of the basic requirements:  

• Strong and beneficial role played by extension services in order to transfer appropriate technology, innovation, skills and knowledge 
• Existing community power structures involved within the communities to facilitate interventions 
• Government policy should result in gender sensitive government development support biased towards women 
• Organized groups, such as cooperatives societies, facilitate support by extension agents who can more easily provide them with useful information and advice.  
• Fish processors/traders should be encouraged to join existing cooperatives or form new ones that could qualify them to receive assistance from governments and commercial banks 
• Access to capital to enable investment in businesses to improve standards and profitability (e.g. revolving loan schemes)