Male and female in most developing countries of the world do not contribute to fish marketing the same way, due to power dynamics. Limited information is available on power structure among fish marketers, pointing to a need to improve the quality of data collected. Female also contribute to marketing activities but may not be the key decision makers regarding fish management strategies, product uses and sales. Awareness on gender studies among fish marketers has increased, but with diverse and limited depth of data analyses. However, assessing factors that influence power play and fish sales among fish marketers are usually not included in the gender roles of fish marketers. Therefore, the study was aimed to analyze the socio- economic characteristics of fish marketers and identify the determinants of power play among fish marketers in Lagos and Oyo States, Nigeria.
Multistage sampling method was used to select fish marketers in Lagos and Oyo States, by proportionate sampling of Agricultural Development Program (ADP) zones of registered fish marketers in each state. A total number of 202 fish marketers were proportionately selected creating equity among male and female respondents. Cultured fish marketers were selected for this study. In depth interviews of key respondents and quantitative data were used for the study. Statistical analyses used include descriptive statistics and Probit regression analysis.
Socio-economic characteristics of fish marketers showed that women are more involved in fish marketing than males. The study revealed that age, marital status, and gender had significant influence on power play among fish marketers with Probit index -0.129, -0.241, and -0.129 respectively. Therefore, it is important for male and female to be represented equally in decision making and political leadership among fish marketers to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).