Selected Publications
Gender dynamics, climate change threats and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
Abstract: The persistent challenge of gender inequality continues to shape socio-economic dynamics within small-scale fisheries, creating complex cycles of vulnerability for both women and men. Contemporary policy interventions frequently fail to address the gender mechanisms that underpin these vulnerabilities, thereby overlooking critical opportunities for promoting equity and resilience. This study examines the multifaceted intersections of gender with environmental and social stressors, specifically focusing on climate change and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in small-scale fisheries. By synthesizing 189 peer-reviewed publications, this research highlights the disproportionate burdens experienced by women within maritime socio-ecological systems. The findings reveal how structural barriers systematically constrain women’s adaptive capacities, while simultaneously demonstrating the potential of gender-responsive strategies to enhance community resilience. The analysis argues that integrating gender considerations into fisheries governance is not merely an ethical imperative but a fundamental requirement for addressing the interrelated challenges of environmental change and maritime resource management.
Making the case for gender-inclusive fisheries governance, policies and climate adaptation
Abstract: Gender equality has been a key consideration for policymakers and natural resource managers in assessing climate risk and developing effective adaptation strategies. However, the interests and concerns of women in relation to climate-related planning and fisheries policies are often neglected. This underrepresentation of women, particularly from developing countries, poses a risk of overlooking opportunities to support vulnerable fishing communities. Additionally, it inadvertently increases the vulnerability of marginalized women fisherfolk. This paper reviews 122 refereed publications on the empowerment of local fishing communities, gender participation in fisheries governance, development, and the need to consider gender dimensions in climate adaptation programs worldwide. It highlights the socio-economic impacts of climate change on livelihood and discusses potential adaptation measures. The findings support the adoption of frameworks and policies that provide alternative metrics for women’s empowerment, inclusion in fisheries governance, and climate adaptation strategies. The study also offers recommendations for governments, non-governmental organizations, and development agencies responsible for fisheries governance and climate adaptation initiatives.
The multi-dimensional perspectives of taboos on gender roles of fisherfolk in the Global South
Abstract: In the Global South, small-scale fisheries may be highly influenced by taboos and traditional beliefs that are believed to maintain fishing pressure within sustainable limits, maintain ecosystem balance and mitigate risks associated with work at sea. However, despite their potentially significant role in mediating human-resource interactions, limited attention has been given to taboos in the context of small-scale fisheries. Among the socio-cultural taboos shaping participation in and benefits from fisheries activities, gender-specific taboos are particularly significant. Thus, this paper explores the role of gender taboos in sustainable and equitable small-scale fisheries management in the Global South. It also identifies and assesses the quality and scientific rigor of the key themes from the literature. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the state of knowledge on taboos and small-scale fisheries and situate the role of gender-specific taboos within small-scale fisheries governance. Over 100 relevant publications were obtained and categorised using scanning and selection methods. The main emerging themes from the literature review included traditional ecological knowledge and taboos, conservation and management taboos, and gender taboos. The findings highlight the significance of taboos in shaping gender dynamics, livelihoods, and food security within small-scale fisheries; however, there remain many gaps in understanding the role of taboos in mediating fishing activities and in maintaining gender inequalities in the fisheries sector. Without this knowledge, gender inequalities could be further exacerbated where taboos are used as a management tool without considering the gender dimensions. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by providing insights for fisheries managers and practitioners for managing fisheries in a way that considers these socio-cultural factors that shape access to, control over and the benefits derived from fisheries.
Invisible Climate Allies: How Shellfish Gatherers Contribute to a Low-Carbon Blue Economy
Abstract: This chapter evaluates the carbon footprint (CF) and intensity of small-scale fisheries in Brazilian coastal communities by contrasting two distinct livelihood strategies: shellfish gathering, predominantly undertaken by women, and motorized small-scale fishing, mainly practiced by men. While fisheries are often marginalized in discussions on carbon neutrality, small-scale systems play a central role in food provision, income generation, and socioecological resilience, particularly in developing coastal regions. Using an activity-based, life-cycle framework, we estimated greenhouse gas emissions from fishing operations, material inputs, and postharvest processing. We integrated these estimates with production data to derive carbon intensity metrics at monthly and community levels. The results reveal stark contrasts between fishing strategies. Motorized small-scale fishing demonstrated substantially higher absolute emissions and pronounced seasonal variability, primarily driven by fuel consumption. Conversely, shellfish gathering maintained consistently low-carbon footprints, with emissions predominantly linked to postharvest processing. When normalized by harvested biomass, carbon intensity (CI) patterns revealed that primary shellfish-gathering resources exhibited values approximately three orders of magnitude lower than motorized fishing, demonstrating the energetic efficiency of labor-intensive, low-mechanization practices. Community-level analyses further indicated that fleet size, spatial organization, and access to fishing grounds shape emission patterns across coastal environments. By explicitly linking carbon accounting to gendered labor structures, this chapter positions shellfish gatherers as key actors in low-carbon coastal food systems and contributes empirical evidence to debates concerning equitable decarbonization, climate justice, and sustainable fisheries governance.
The Challenges and Prospects of Women Fisherfolk in Makoko, Lagos State, Nigeria
Abstract: Makoko, a coastal fishing community in Lagos, Nigeria, aptly described as the “Venice of Africa”, is also known as the world’s largest floating slum. Contributions of women fisherfolk in artisanal fisheries are seldom appreciated despite the fact that in most coastal communities, women are the pillars and de facto household- heads, having to provide and sustain their households with little or no institutional or cultural support. This paper describes how women with different sizes of businesses (small, medium and large) conducted their fish trade in conjunction with their reproductive roles. Key findings suggest that sustainability of fisheries-based livelihoods for women fisherfolk is determined by working capital and access to credit facilities. Social networks and informal credit institutions were important factors to obtain capital by which the women were able to sustain and expand their businesses. Lack of formal education, poor access to information, discriminatory gender–based norms and cultural practices challenged sustainability of the women’s livelihoods. This paper suggests approaches and interventions built on existing social networks and informal credit institutions to enhance women’s economic contributions and mitigate constraints in their fisheries businesses.
Designing gender-inclusive data systems in small-scale fisheries
Abstract: Gender equality is a ubiquitous national goal, yet sectoral gender data gaps to support this goal persist. These gaps are both structural and sexist, concealing women’s contributions and impeding actions that would strengthen livelihoods and economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability. The small-scale fisheries sector offers a cogent example of this phenomenon. Building on lessons from the Illuminating Hidden Harvests initiative, we identify systemic changes and specific indicators needed to fill these gaps. This requires multiple data streams, many of which come from outside fisheries agencies, e.g., government statistical or census organizations, sourced from responsible agencies across multiple areas—economy and environment, governance and support services, and health and nutrition. Closing gender data gaps requires making the policy case and working across agencies to create an enabling institutional environment. Only then can data reflect and respond to the lives of the ~ 500 million people who depend on small-scale fisheries.
The future of gender research in small-scale fisheries: Priorities and pathways for advancing gender equity
Abstract: This paper presents an agenda for the future of gender research in small-scale fisheries (SSF). Building on expert insight from scholars who gathered during the 4th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress Africa (4WSFC) with a synthesis of existing literature, we identify six topics that warrant future investigation in SSF, along with methodological considerations for addressing them. Research priorities include identifying pathways towards (1) equitable participation in governance and decision-making, (2) valuing all actors’ contributions to aquatic food systems, (3) increasing access to financial services, (4) inclusive infrastructural development, (5) livelihood diversification and (6) reducing occupational health hazards. Several important methodological considerations include (i) using multiple methodologies, (ii) applying participatory methods, (iii) collecting gender-disaggregated data, (iv) integrating gender into a food systems approach in fisheries, (v) engaging an intersectional approach and (vi) operationalising equity.
Enhancing fisheries development in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of participatory processes and cross-disciplinary strategies in research
Introduction: Marine and fisheries research play a crucial role in addressing complex challenges related to sustainable resource management, climate
change, and ecosystem health. To tackle these multifaceted issues,
researchers increasingly recognize the need for inter- and transdisciplinary approaches that integrate diverse perspectives from scientific
disciplines and knowledge systems (Nyboer et al., 2023).
Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in interdisciplinary marine science
Introduction: In an era marked by a growing recognition of the interplay between the environment and human societies, interdisciplinary marine science stands as a relatively new and pivotal field. Poised to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges, interdisciplinary marine research integrates diverse perspectives and approaches from the natural and social sciences to create a more holistic understanding of marine social-ecological systems (SES). However, interdisciplinary marine science may fail to reach its potential due to its lack of consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Towards gender inclusivity and equality in small-scale fisheries. In: FAO, Duke University & WorldFish. 2023. Illuminating Hidden Harvests: the contributions of small-scale fisheries to sustainable development
Abstract: This chapter seeks to address the challenge sexist data present and outline the opportunities associated with gender-inclusive small-scale fisheries structures. It does so by assessing gender-related gaps and barriers that persist in the collection and analysis of small-scale fisheries data, with examples that highlight pathways towards gender inclusivity and equality, as critical information for the implementation of the SSF Guidelines and for fully understanding the contributions of small-scale fisheries to the SDGs. Specifically, the chapter focuses on answering the following: i) What are the gendered patterns of participation in the pre-harvest, harvesting and post-harvest segments of small-scale fisheries value chains? What types of activities are recorded, and which are missing from small-scale fisheries economic analyses? Ii) What species do women and men harvest, using what gear types and in which habitats? Which species are included, and which are missing from the analysis? Iii) How does gender determine access to the nutritional and livelihood benefits of small-scale fisheries? What are the current data limitations to understanding differences in access to these benefits? Iv) How is gender addressed in small-scale fisheries governance in terms of representation, distribution of authority and mechanisms of accountability? What are the monitoring gaps to assess gender equity in governance? In responding to these questions, the chapter illuminates a fuller picture of the contributions from small-scale fisheries as they relate to four thematic areas of the SDGs: economics, environment, nutrition and governance. It concludes by returning to the challenge of sexist data structures to identify key actions to catalyse the transition from “gender-blind” to “gender-inclusive” small-scale fisheries research, policy and practice. This chapter is informed by qualitative and quantitative data from three main sources: 58 country and territory case studies (CCS), IHH employment datasets for 78 countries, and input from 28 IHH gender advisors. Together these sources were used to identify gaps and barriers to collecting and reporting gender-inclusive small-scale fisheries data, while also illuminating what is known about gender and smallscale fisheries.
Understanding Vulnerability of Urban Waterfront Communities to Rapid Development: The Case of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
Abstract: Inland capture fisheries have long been an important source of food and livelihood security for communities around the world. However, rapid urbanization and lack of land tenue in many developing countries are major threats to the contributions of small-scale fisheries to society. With increasing emphasis on Blue Growth as the answer to stagnant economies, the interaction of various Blue Economy sectors has implications for the most vulnerable populations. The resulting justice issues call for better regulation and stronger governance. Nigeria’s Lagos Lagoon is a case in point, known for its historically rich and abundant fish supply and as the main inland waterway facilitating transportation, communication, and commerce. However, the forces of urbanization and commodification are threatening urban waterfront communities of the Lagoon. Understanding the impacts of urbanization and associated industries on residents who rely on small-scale fisheries is paramount to advancing a Blue Economy that is equitable and socially just. This chapter brings these considerations to the forefront by exploring the interactions of sand mining, fishing, and urban development in the waterfront communities of Lagos Lagoon. We use Interactive Governance Theory to unpack the threats to urban small-scale fisheries from rampant Blue Growth and craft solutions to this ‘wicked’ problem.
Blue Economy (Sustainability)
Abstract: Although no specific definition is designated for this term, this concept has been previously defined based on the field of application and utilization. The blue economy refers to the sustainable utilization of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. It is also regarded as an economic concept encompassing various economic activities in the ocean and coastal area, including traditional activities such as fishing, shipping, and shipbuilding, as well as newer activities such as offshore wind and wave energy, ocean-based aquaculture, and marine biotechnology. It is defined as the range of economic activities in the coastal zone and on the ocean, including shipping, fishing, oil and gas extraction, tourism, and renewable energy production. Generally, the blue economy mainly focuses on the responsible extraction and utilization of marine resources required to enhance ocean-based economies while adopting more balanced conservation measures to ensure resource sustainability.
Marine and Coastal Resources
Abstract: The paper discussed potentials and benefits of several coastal and marine resources while estimating the constraints facing these resources. Additionally, mitigation management measures to curb these challenges were provided such that sustainability of the fisheries will be globally enhanced.
Resilient futures: Acknowledging the shared challenges of early career food system researchers in uncertain times
Abstract: Transforming food systems to deliver sustainable, equitable, and nutritious outcomes requires confronting profound global challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to widening inequities and persistent malnutrition. Early career researchers (ECRs), who make up a large proportion of the research workforce, hold unique potential to drive this transformation through fresh perspectives, systems thinking, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Yet they also face distinct barriers: precarious employment, limited funding, and institutional structures that privilege dominant knowledge systems, while undervaluing Indigenous and community-centred approaches. For many, particularly in resource-constrained or Indigenous contexts, these professional pressures are compounded by structural inequities, colonial legacies, and personal responsibilities, amplifying the emotional burden of engaging with such complex challenges. This paper explores strategies to empower ECRs to navigate food systems research without becoming overwhelmed. We highlight the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and building supportive networks, alongside recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and the contextual realities shaping food systems across geographies. Collaboration and co-production emerge as critical pathways for innovation, trust-building, and collective action, while diverse outputs beyond peer-reviewed publications are essential to translate research into meaningful policy and practice. By embracing persistence, equity, and shared responsibility, ECRs can position themselves not as isolated individuals but as key actors in a global movement for resilient and just food systems. Balancing realism with optimism, we reaffirm the transformative potential of ECRs, and call on institutions, funders, and senior researchers to establish structures that enable them to thrive as changemakers in pursuit of a sustainable food future.
Exploring gender and food taboos in fisheries of the Global South. SPC Women in Fisheries Bulletin 36: 32-33
Introduction: Taboos are understood to be religious activities or rituals designed to make supernatural creatures produce or prevent specific results. These rituals are often used in combination with specific plants or animals, or in certain areas as a way to avoid overexploitation or destruction of natural resources. These taboos, then, can serve as a mechanism for resource management, conservation and human health (Kajembe et al. 2003). Such taboos are often linked to cultural perceptions, practices and beliefs about human health hazards (Oloko et al. 2013; 2021; 2022).
Taboos as cultural challenges encountered by women fisherfolk in some coastal fishing communities in Nigeria. SPC Women in Fisheries Information Bulletin, 33, pp.48-49
Abstract: Nowadays, our local traditions and cultural beliefs are being ignored and regarded as obsolete because of civilization. Fishing, fish processing and marketing are some of the most important economic activities that women fisherfolk do in Nigeria. Women’s engagement in fishing activities, however, are enormously affected and influenced by local taboos and traditional beliefs. Extant cultural taboos and patriarchy institutions strongly reinforce gendered norms and relations in small-scale fishing communities of developing countries. Despite Western civilization’s influence, reverence in value systems and beliefs in traditional spirituality have continued to sustain prevalent cultural taboos. Therefore, the context and roles of cultural taboos as gender issues in fishing communities need to be sufficiently understood, researched and documented before any relevant economic empowerment programme or project is initiated…
Making a case for stopping IUU fishing in global south countries. SPC Women Fish Inform Bull, 38, pp.27-8
Introduction: Fisheries contribute extensively to the food security, culture, livelihoods, and well-being of hundreds of millions of people in Global South countries (Elegbede et al. 2023; Harper et al. 2023; Oloko et al. 2021). A significant amount of fish from small-scale capture fisheries is harvested and consumed because of their nutritional composition and ease of access for the well-being of coastal communities (Oloko et al. 2022b; Teh and Pauly 2018). Despite these diverse contributions of small-scale fisheries, most small-scale fishing communities encounter international market pressures, fisheries privatisation, and competition from other economic activities in ocean space and for marine resources (Bennett et al. 2021).
The plight of female fish traders in fish-for-sex transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa. SPC Women Fisher Info Bulletin, 40
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.
Global review of climate change threats, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and gender dynamics
Abstract: The persistent challenge of gender inequality continues to shape socio-economic dynamics within small-scale fisheries, creating complex cycles of vulnerability for both women and men (Rice et al. 2024). Contemporary policy interventions frequently fail to address the gender mechanisms that underpin these vulnerabilities, thereby overlooking critical opportunities for promoting equity and resilience (Oloko et al. 2024).
Initiate Academic Collaboration
Available for international research partnerships, speaking engagements, and policy advisory roles in socio-ecological systems and coastal community resilience.