Women in Fish Business: Contribution to Local and National Economy in the Zambian Context

This study examines the role played by the fish business in enhancing women’s economic inclusion and driving economic development at both local and national levels. The sample consisted of 80 fish farmers and traders and critical informants from district fisheries offices, non-governmental organizations, and local fish farmers and traders’ associations based in selected towns of Lusaka Province. Data was collected using one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings highlighted the economic inclusion facilitated by fish farming and trading through the emergence of women-owned businesses, and the empowerment through asset ownership. Additionally, the study revealed the resilience of women-led businesses in times of disaster and their contribution to employment creation and infrastructure development. The results also indicated the need to upgrade the quality of employment from temporary, low-wage wage, and insecure jobs to more stable and secure employment opportunities. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of the fish value chain in promoting women's economic inclusion and augmenting their contribution to broader local and national development. The study recommends targeted training programs, financial support, policy advocacy, and collaborative partnerships to enhance women's empowerment and ensure sustainable development of the fish value chain.