WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Arlyn  Arreglado - Mandas
 
College of Fisheries
Mindanao State University
General Santos City
Philippines
 arlynmandas@yahoo.com

Aquaculture in the Philippines like in many countries worldwide, is considered the fastest growing food producing sector. Philippine aquaculture is diverse both in terms of species cultured and systems of culture. In 2014, of the total fisheries production of the country, aquaculture had the highest  share of  49.9 % and 38.8% in terms of quantity and value, respectively. Active participants in aquaculture are predominantly male with women in the background.

Obviously, when it comes to number, women in the Philippine aquaculture industry can be described as a minority. Despite this, women who have penetrated this men-dominated industry have shown their significant role as fish farm owners, fish farm managers, consultants, technicians, laboratory technologists, marketing officers and technical sales representatives in aquafeed mills. In small-scale aquaculture, the wives of the fish farm owners are showing active support to their husbands by helping in various farm activities on top of their household and child care responsibilities.

Indirect participation of women in the aquaculture industry are in the areas of education, research and government service whose outputs have a direct effect on the further development of aquaculture. Women empowerment is a major driving force for the increasing and stronger role of women in aquaculture. As women are  more empowered, they have become more confident to take leadership and challenging roles which made them a valuable partner for the continued growth  of the aquaculture

industry.