Women’s Narratives on Livelihoods from the Ocean

Abstract

This article reflects on the meanings emanating from women’s narratives about their experiences of living with the sea to contribute to the debates on ‘localizing’ the Blue Economy (BE) in Tanzania. Employing a feminist political ecology analysis, it explores how women’s voices and interests are heard in the BE agenda, and the extent to which this agenda is sensitive to their circumstances. The study employed a qualitative approach to generate information from male and female members in coastal villages in Bagamoyo, and in Unguja and Pemba. The findings suggest that despite wide knowledge on women’s engagement in ocean-based livelihood activities, BE priorities do not give due attention to their circumstances and realities as they engage with the sea. There are also issues about social inclusion and equity as articulated by BE provisions and decisions in the country. It is contended that gender-based power relations at different levels often influence decisions on coastal and marine resource access. Consequently, these decisions marginalize women from attaining meaningful benefit from marine resources.

https://dx.doi.org/10.56279/NJIY8787/TJDS.v23i1.3