Rural Women’s Livelihood Strategies

Abstract

This study investigated livelihood strategies of women in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, with a focus on artisanal fishery. Specifically, it described the demographic characteristics of the women, identified other means of livelihood available to the respondents, and established the correlates of women’s participation in fish production along with the benefits and constraints associated with their participation. A validated interview schedule was used to elicit information from 600 women, who were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. The results revealed that the majority (71.67 percent) of the women participated extensively in artisanal fishery, with none possessing skills in pond fish production. Access to communal facilities (χ2 = 6.43, p < 0.05) was strongly associated with their participation in artisanal fishery. At p < 0.05, capital needed for expansion (r = 0.72) and present capital (r = 0.54) were positively and significantly related to women’s level of participation in fish production. However, the “fish-for-sex” phenomenon, conflict between productive and reproductive roles, as well as vectors of oppression (marital status and illiteracy) were found to impinge on women’s participation. However, dissemination of information on fish ponds among women was identified as an innovative appropriate technology that could improve women’s livelihoods. The study therefore recommended implementation of women-oriented interventionist’s programs with the following components: skill acquisition for farmed fish, subsidized appropriate technologies for fish pond production, and provision of soft loans.