Sanitation as Business: Diversifying Income and Livelihoods for Women in Fishing Villages in Uganda

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The paper examines prospects for diversifying income and improving livelihoods for women in fishing villages. It is noted that when social, economic and cultural factors constrain women engagement in the fisheries industry, their livelihood and welfare are affected. Consequently, women are confined to the lower end of supply chains in the fisheries sector. The rapid dwindling of fisheries stocks and the sophisticated export-based fish trade have aggravated the matter. Due to lack of access to economic activities to support them, women resort to selling liquor and commercial sex for survival. In the process, they are exposed to the risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This study investigates prospects of diversifying their income generating activities; based on the concept of Waste-to-Wealth Enterprises (WWE). Baseline surveys and feasibility studies were conducted to assess the viability and feasibility of WWE. Questionnaires, interviews, documents analysis and focus group discussions were used for data collection. For feasibility studies, laboratory tests on Bio-methane Potential (BMP) for different biomass were conducted in the study area. In addition, proof-of-concept pilot projects were established to verify the viability of various WWE projects. Findings reveal that WWE that are economically feasible include: purifying and distributing water; production of briquettes, production of organic detergents and production of biocides for organic farming. It concludes that diversifying livelihood activities for women is feasible and viable. It however entails re-configuration of gender norms, identifying networks for start-up funding, capacity building and establishment of institutional frameworks.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION
• MATERIALS AND METHODS
• FINDINGS OF BASELINE STUDIES
• DISCUSSION
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES