Femmes et transformation artisanale des poissons pélagiques au Sénégal : un secteur à bout de souffle

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present the tensions of the artisanal fish processing market in the face of increasingly difficult access to raw material in Senegal: pelagic fish. The method consisted of compiling and analyzing statistical data on the supply of raw material to women processors, and collecting qualitative information from fisheries stakeholders on the situation of the sector. Overall, the statistical data show that the supply of raw material to the artisanal processing segment has fallen by less than 20% over the last ten years. Thus, it went from 65,000 tonnes in 2009 to less than 41,000 tonnes in 2018. A decline linked to the context of overexploitation of pelagic fish and the emergence of new uses. The information collected in the field shows that women processors are also confronted with the increase in the price of intermediate consumption, especially fuel, with the restrictions on wood cutting on the Senegalese coast. Women processors are also very exposed to the precariousness and insalubrity of artisanal processing areas. All these elements seriously compromise the sustainability and the economy of the artisanal processing of pelagic fish. In the current context of promoting women's employment and their economic empowerment, the artisanal processing segment must be supported by strong public policies for the sustainability of the activity.

Keywords

• valorization
• women
• empowerment
• jobs
• fish