From the sea to the market: The essential role of women in Madagascar’s fisheries value chain

Located in the Boeny region in northwestern Madagascar, the bays of Mahajamba and Bombetoka are home to many coastal communities whose livelihoods largely depend on artisanal fishing. In these areas, women play a key—yet often overlooked—role in the processing and marketing of aquatic products. 

Learning to manage and add value 

In the villages of Amboanio, Ambalatany, Morahariva, and Antsaregy, the sea does more than feed families—it also inspires change. 

Between June and July 2025, 93 women participated in training programs designed to improve the processing and marketing of fishery products. Through practical sessions on drying, salting and hot smoking techniques, participants learned how to enhance the quality and shelf life of their products—each processed fish representing a step closer to greater economic autonomy. 

The training sessions went beyond technical skills. Women also learned how to collectively manage their newly created associations, plan their activities, and organize their work more effectively. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening governance within the associations and improving the way members collaborate and make decisions. 

With improved knowledge and access to better equipment—such as coolers, drying racks and storage facilities—the women are now able to manage their processing activities more efficiently and transparently. As a result, many have already reported income increases, with estimated profit gains of over 10 percent. 

Market opportunities and a better-structured value chain 

A market study conducted by the National Network of Women in Fisheries (RENAFEP) identified 14 potential market outlets, helping women better understand customer expectations and adapt their products accordingly. 

Several collective initiatives have also emerged to strengthen the organization of the value chain. For example, women’s associations have begun acquiring collective fish trader cards, which allow traders to sell their products in different villages or markets. Since obtaining such cards requires paying a ministerial fee, collective ownership enables women to share the cost and sell their products together through the association. 

Other initiatives, such as shared transportation arrangements, further demonstrate the women’s determination to professionalize their activities and strengthen their bargaining power in local markets. 

For these women, every salted or smoked fish is more than just a product—it represents an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion, secure income, and assert their place in the local economy. 

As Soanamoro from Ambalatany, one of the training participants, explains: “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.” 

Promising results — and remaining challenges 

While the results are encouraging, several challenges remain. Access to certain villages—particularly around Mahajamba Bay—can be difficult, especially during the rainy season when transportation becomes nearly impossible. This limits the regular supply of materials, product transportation, and the monitoring of activities. 

In addition, initial participation of women in association and community organizations was sometimes limited. To address this, awareness-raising and mobilization activities were conducted to highlight the benefits of collective organization. These efforts included encouraging membership in existing associations and networks, promoting women’s leadership, and explaining the roles and responsibilities of different positions within associations. 

Sustaining the momentum 

To strengthen and sustain these achievements, several recommendations have emerged, including ensuring continued follow-up to support the practical application of newly learned processing techniques, further promoting women’s leadership to consolidate governance within associations, and strengthening material support by providing equipment adapted to the evolving needs of women’s groups. 

• Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods – Phase 2 project  
• SSF Guidelines Madagascar country page  
• Gender equality