Madagascar empowers women in small-scale fisheries

Women working in Madagascar’s small-scale fisheries are improving their incomes and expanding market access through training, better processing equipment and stronger cooperatives, as efforts to implement national sustainable fisheries guidelines deliver practical benefits to coastal communities.

Small-scale fisheries account for at least 40% of global fisheries catches and support nearly 500 million people, making them vital to food security, nutrition and livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Ravaoharisoa Emilienne, president of a local association affiliated with Madagascar’s National Network of Women in Fisheries (RENAFEP), said: “Before, when the weather was bad, we would lose significant amounts of fish because we couldn’t transport it to market in time.”

The introduction of a fish-drying oven in Manombo has helped women preserve catches when flooding disrupts transport during the rainy season. In Tulear, an ice-making machine enables traders to keep aquatic foods fresh and reach customers in more remote villages.

The initiatives form part of Madagascar’s National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) 2024–2028, developed through a participatory process. Authorities are working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and RENAFEP to strengthen women’s businesses and remove barriers to entrepreneurship.

Training has covered business management, marketing, quality control and improved fish drying, salting and smoking techniques. In four communities, 93 women received practical instruction and support with managing associations. Participants have reported estimated profit increases exceeding 10%, although equipment remains insufficient for all those involved.

Women are also pooling resources through collective trader cards and shared transport arrangements, reducing costs and improving access to markets. Village Savings and Loan Associations, supported by financial management training, are helping participants save, manage unexpected expenses and invest in their businesses.

Soanamoro, a training participant from Ambalatany, said: “Now we know how to process our fish so they sell better, and we manage our association together. It changes everything for us and our families.”

The programme demonstrates how inclusive fisheries management can reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen household incomes and improve food security while supporting more resilient local economies.