98 Safina M. Musa, Christopher Mulanda Aura and Rodrick Kundu
The Main Problems Experienced in Aquaculture by Gender
Both males and females experienced various problems in AVC. Feed cost
and seed quality are the major problems for both males and females both at the
hatchery and production levels. Notably, consumer perceptions about farmed
fish are an issue that affects both genders during marketing (Table 2). Notably,
lack of value addition is also an issue that affects marketing of farmed fish.
The perishable nature of fish necessitates prompt sales at whatever cost.
However, there were no significant association between gender and problems
experienced in aquaculture (χ2 = 1.672; df =8; p = 0.763) in Nyanza region.
4. DISCUSSION
Unlike capture fisheries, the survey indicated lack/very minimal post-
harvest traders in AVC suggesting that at present, capture and aquaculture
value chains are separate and probably do not meet at any point (World Bank,
2012). Lack of post-harvest traders could also indicate that the volumes
produced from aquaculture are too small to justify as established upon post-
harvest chain of intermediaries (Norad, 2014). Notably, it could suggest that
unlike capture fisheries, aquaculture value chains are short hence the very
short period from harvest to final consumption by consumer hence low rates of
post-harvest losses. The general lack of chill/frozen storage equipment/
facilities means that all fish need to be sold quickly by the pond side, and
prices are reduced by sellers to ensure that product is sold, even at a low price,
rather than not being sold at all.
There were a slightly high proportion of females (62%) in this study,
probably an indication that in artisanal aquaculture in developing countries;
women represent the majority of rural poor population (Wangila, et al., 2007).
The results of the current findings concurs with other authors who have
indicated that women engagement in AVC ranges from 42-80% (Williams
et al., 2005; FAO, 2006) with percentages much higher in certain regions
(Krishna, 2012). Moreover, over 50% of both males and females are below the
age of 45 years likely due to more economic participation by youths in AVC.
The gender disparities in educational level suggest constraints to access to
education for women in Kenya. This could also be a contributing factor to
their marginalization in decision making (Ndanga et al., 2013).
In aquaculture in Nyanza region, females dominate fish production and the
few men involved in production rely on the full participation of women and