The plight of female fish traders in fish-for-sex transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The natural resources on which small-scale fishing
communities in Sub-Saharan Africa depend are crucial
for both their economic sustainability and as a nutritional
resource in challenging times. Yet, the widespread depletion of fish stocks
across the continent results in numerous adverse socio-economic
and developmental consequences, including abusive labour
conditions, food and nutrition insecurity, harmful fishing
practices, and fish-for-sex exchanges.

Full text

12 SPC • Women in Fisheries Information Bulletin #40
1 University of British Columbia, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, Vancouver, BC, Canada (a.oloko@oceans.ubc.ca).
2 The University of Victoria, School of Environmental Science, Victoria, BC, Canada
3 Lagos State University, Department of Fisheries, Lagos State, Nigeria
4 Department of Environmental Planning, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, Germany
The plight of female fish traders in fish-for-sex transactions
in Sub-Saharan Africa
Ayodele Oloko,1 Louise Teh,1 Sarah Harper,2
Kafayat Fakoya3 and Isa Olalekan Elegbede3,4
During lean fishing periods I befriend the
fishermen because some only give fish to
women who agree to have sex and satisfy
them emotionally. I usually go to his house in the evening
to cook and have unprotected sex with him after his
fishing expenditure. I don’t like it because I fear getting
pregnant and infected with sexually transmitted diseases.
Nevertheless, I enjoy the constant fish supply, which I sell
in the market to support myself financially”
Female fish trader from Nigeria.
The natural resources on which small-scale fishing
communities in Sub-Saharan Africa depend are crucial
for both their economic sustainability and as a nutritional
resource in challenging times (Brashares et al. 2014; Fakoya
et al. 2022). Yet, the widespread depletion of fish stocks
across the continent (Belhabib et al. 2015; Okafor-Yarwood
et al. 2019) results in numerous adverse socio-economic
and developmental consequences, including abusive labour
conditions, food and nutrition insecurity, harmful fishing
practices, and fish-for-sex exchanges (Belton and Thilsted
2014; Elegbede et al. 2023a, 2023b). Previous qualitative
studies by Fiorella et al. (2015) have explored how declining
fish stocks influence fish-for-sex exchanges, revealing that
severe fish shortages might prompt transactional sex, thereby
altering gender power dynamics (Kyei-Gyamfi 2023). Such
fish-for-sex exchanges represent a form of transactional
sex documented worldwide, particularly prevalent in Sub-
Saharan Africa and Asia (MacPherson et al. 2012).
The phenomenon delineates relationships established
between female fish traders and fishermen, where these
traders enter sexual relationships to ensure a consistent fish
supply. Kwena et al. (2013) assert that these female fish
traders partake in fish-for-sex (FFS) relationships to ensure
a steady supply of fish, crucial for their business and survival,
particularly during sparse periods.
However, the situation becomes more intricate as these
traders often experience exploitation during FFS transactions
in environments characterised by low condom usage
(Kwena et al. 2013; Kyei-Gyamfi 2023). There is a direct
connection between these practices and the increase in HIV/
AIDS infection rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (Fiorella et al.
2015). Despite persistent exploitation in key fishing areas,
substantial gaps in documentation remain concerning these
practices in the continent (Béné and Merten 2008).
The fishing industry structure consists of men primarily
engaged in catching and managing fish, while women take on
roles such as smoking, drying, and selling the fish (Harper
et al. 2023; Oloko 2024). Although some women hold
influential positions, the majority are relegated to lower-level
roles in the fisheries sector, with restricted access to resources
and income compared to men in Sub-Saharan Africa (Rice et
al. 2023). Consequently, this economic disparity, perpetuated
by the fishermen’s control over fish supplies, significantly
disadvantages female fish traders. A distinctly gender-based
division of labour and daily cash factors compel fishermen
to adopt risky behaviours such as engaging in sexual activities
with multiple partners, having unprotected sex, and abusing
substances (Béné and Merten 2008; Kissling et al. 2005).
The susceptibility to substance abuse is intensified by climate
change stressors, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated
fishing (Sumaila et al. 2011; Oloko et al. 2023).
The literature suggests that it is crucial for governmental
and international entities to address the detrimental effects
of gender-based market forces within the small-scale fishing
sectors (Oloko et al. 2022). Additionally, women fish
traders’ participation is essential in discussions related to
fisheries policies, ensuring their perspectives are thoroughly
represented and highlighted. This becomes increasingly
Female fish traders in Nigeria.© Ayodele Oloko

13
SPC • Women in Fisheries Information Bulletin #40
vital considering the projected impacts of climate change,
which is expected to exacerbate the severity of disruptions in
fish supply (Cheung et al. 2017). Aside from its economic
benefits, the cooperative model should be leveraged for its
ability to disseminate sexual health knowledge and provide
a collective approach for women to address broader societal
challenges, such as poverty and sexual exploitation in small-
scale fishing communities. This cooperative initiative creates
effective avenues for empowering female fish traders and
transforming the market dynamics in the small-scale fishing
sector, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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