Illuminating informal cross-border trade in processed small pelagic fish in West Africa

Ayilu, RK; Nyiawung, RA

Illuminating informal cross-border trade in processed small pelagic fish in West Africa

Ayilu, RK Nyiawung, RA

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Publisher:: Springer Nature
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Maritime Studies, 2022, 21, (4), pp. 519-532
Issue Date:: 2022-10-04

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Ayilu, RK
dc.contributor.author	Nyiawung, RA
dc.date.accessioned	2023-06-22T03:06:03Z
dc.date.available	2023-06-22T03:06:03Z
dc.date.issued	2022-10-04
dc.identifier.citation	Maritime Studies, 2022, 21, (4), pp. 519-532
dc.identifier.issn	1872-7859
dc.identifier.issn	2212-9790
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170816
dc.description.abstract	Trade in processed small pelagic fish and informal cross-border trade (ICBT) are linked to livelihood activities in West Africa. Although these fish products are being traded informally in West Africa, research on this topic is limited. This study builds on a multi-partner supported ‘FishTrade’ initiative in Africa to illuminate the volume and value of informal fish trade across the Ghana–Togo–Benin (GTB) borders, and the socio-demographic determinants supporting participation and profitability in this trade. We used a structured survey and focus group interviews to obtain data from women fish traders, who handle the entire fish trade in three major Ghanaian markets where ICBT activities are concentrated. Our results showed ICBT across these borders constitutes significant economic and livelihood potential, estimated at about 6000 MT in volume and US$14 million in market value per annum. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors, such as fish traders’ years of experience and membership in an unofficial market cooperative, positively influence participation and profitability, but access to market information negatively affects participation. However, geographical distance, large household size and access to micro-finance negatively affect ICBT profitability. Our findings illuminate that consumers’ purchasing power, fish taste and preference, ICBT’s economic opportunities and a shared heritage and connection significantly influence this form of trading along the GTB borders. We conclude that ICBT in these small pelagic processed fish represents untapped potential for local livelihood and highlight the need for further research on this topic.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Springer Nature
dc.relation.ispartof	Maritime Studies
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/s40152-022-00284-z
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Illuminating informal cross-border trade in processed small pelagic fish in West Africa
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	21
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences/School of Communication
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2023-06-22T03:06:02Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	21
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

Trade in processed small pelagic fish and informal cross-border trade (ICBT) are linked to livelihood activities in West Africa. Although these fish products are being traded informally in West Africa, research on this topic is limited. This study builds on a multi-partner supported ‘FishTrade’ initiative in Africa to illuminate the volume and value of informal fish trade across the Ghana–Togo–Benin (GTB) borders, and the socio-demographic determinants supporting participation and profitability in this trade. We used a structured survey and focus group interviews to obtain data from women fish traders, who handle the entire fish trade in three major Ghanaian markets where ICBT activities are concentrated. Our results showed ICBT across these borders constitutes significant economic and livelihood potential, estimated at about 6000 MT in volume and US$14 million in market value per annum. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors, such as fish traders’ years of experience and membership in an unofficial market cooperative, positively influence participation and profitability, but access to market information negatively affects participation. However, geographical distance, large household size and access to micro-finance negatively affect ICBT profitability. Our findings illuminate that consumers’ purchasing power, fish taste and preference, ICBT’s economic opportunities and a shared heritage and connection significantly influence this form of trading along the GTB borders. We conclude that ICBT in these small pelagic processed fish represents untapped potential for local livelihood and highlight the need for further research on this topic.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170816