Women in Artisanal Fishing and their Socio-Economic Well-Being in Asembo Bay, Siaya County, Kenya

This study assessed the role of women in artisanal fishing and socio-economic well-being in
Asembo Bay, Siaya County, Kenya. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design
and a sample of 100 women was chosen to form the unit of analysis. The study used a Purposive
Sampling approach to select participants. Data was collected using key informant interviews,
focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observation guides. Based on the objective, this
study used a thematic data analysis method where data was presented thematically. The findings
revealed that 30% of the participants were involved in pre-harvesting activities, including fixing
fishing nets, leasing boats, securing loans, and cleaning boats. The study showed that 60% of
women engaged in post-harvest operations, which included gathering remaining fish, sun-drying
them, cleaning, smoking, frying, and marketing. The findings indicated that 5% were involved in
fishing activities and other occupations like farming, hospitality, fish preservation refrigeration
services, loans, and boat rentals. About 5% of the participants partake in diverse entrepreneurial
endeavors at the beach, including the sale of tomatoes, potatoes, porridge, ugali, cooked beans,
garments, and kitchenware. The respondents expressed the view that engaging in artisanal fishing
enhances the well-being of women, thereby eliminating their dependence on begging. The
research proposed the following: the implementation of fisheries funds; the involvement of NGOs,
local government, and CBOs in the daily activities in Asembo Bay; and the improvement of the
working environment in Asembo Bay.