Beneath the Waves to Beyond the Palate: “Tracing the Challenging Journey of Exquisite Dried Fish”
India, the world’s third-largest fish producer at 8%, has 60% of its population as fish consumers. The fishing sector supports 28 million livelihoods, notably benefiting marginalized communities. Primarily focused on Sea Capture, Indian fishermen occasionally rely on preserved fish due to scarcity.
Fishermen brave weather challenges, affecting catches; invest in boat upkeep. Women, using baskets, transport fish, sometimes purchasing at higher prices from traders.
Occasionally, women engage in fishing near the shore using nets and carry the catch, weighing up to 25 kg, in baskets on their head or shoulders. This strenuous process often results in neck and shoulder pain. Moreover, adverse weather conditions lead to reduced fish availability, contributing to diminished catches, further challenging the fishing activities of coastal women.
Vulnerable communities have limited access to dryer technologies and knowledge, mostly relying on sun drying.
Limited technology access in remote areas cements sun drying as the top choice. Predominantly led by women, the process offers economic empowerment and financial independence within communities.
Problem Statement:
How might we overcome climatic challenges which affect fish procurement?