Women play a vital role in the operation of the fisheries in India, and their contributions penetrate every aspect of the industry from postharvest handling, preservation, processing and marketing. In the southern maritime states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, women dominate the retail fish trade. According to the Global Aquaculture Alliance, between 50-70% of fisherwomen and their families are dependent on fresh fish marketing or traditional fish processing for their livelihoods.

However, fisherwomen in the region want to advance their socioeconomic status beyond sustainability levels. One project, conducted by Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO) sought to help them do just that while simultaneously protecting the coral reefs on which these women and their families depend.

Coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar are facing several threats, but in Tuticorin, several villages are solely dependent on fish resources obtained from these coral reefs. Fisherwomen face uncertain catches of varying quality, difficult post harvesting techniques and increasing demand. Crowded fishing grounds, and this increase in demand often cause fishermen to adopt destructive fishing methods.

To reduce the pressure on coral reef resources and economic vulnerability of coastal communities, local fisherwomen self help groups were trained on ICTs and other methods of adult education. The aim of introducing adult education and ICT trainings was:

• to empower local fisherwomen self help groups
• enhance literacy and livelihood
• reduce pressure on coral reef resources through greater awareness and education about marine environment and resources
• minimize overall economic vulnerability of coastal communities

Two coordinators from each of 5 villages were selected and trained in adult education and ICTs. Then each village was given a computer, printer, mobile phone and access to the internet. Almost 150 women were trained in adult and environmental education, computer education and hygienic fish drying.

The results were impressive – reef damaged was “considerably” reduced – shore seine operations, mining and anchoring near reefs declines, new coral recruits were observed and live coral area began increasing. These training opportunities also helped fisherwomen earn additional income for their families.

For more information, you can read the case study here in our Project Database.