The processed marine fish sector represents an important component of small-scale marine fisheries in Benin. It
plays a crucial role in terms of seafood provision and job creation in the country. However, its socioeconomic
performance has been limitedly explored since few investigations have been dedicated to the sector over the past
decades. This study investigated the value chain of processed marine fish (VC-PF), focusing on its functional,
economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Data was collected using a mixed method approach via indepth interviews ,(n = 35), quantitative surveys (n = 121), and direct observations. Results evidenced four
nodes (fishing, processing, trading, and consumption) along the VC-PF. Adult and local men dominantly operated
the fishing node, while the processing node was entirely handled by adult and local women. The trading node
had a higher representation of women and a significant proportion of migrants. On average, 2321.4 kg of fish
belonging to 21 species is processed annually in the sector, which generates an annual added value of 8217,756
€, corresponding to 3.67% of the GDP of the total fishery sector in Benin. Although the VC-PF’s contribution to
Benin’s economic growth is still marginal, it was observed to be profitable and resilient. Unfortunately, the VCPF has a negation protection (NPC<1), indicating limited or no protection for the domestic VC-PF against
regional and international competition. Policy actions such as actors’ engagement, the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing and subsidised fishing and processing equipment provision are vital to sustain the
sector |
University of Cape Coast