Assessing the impact of illiteracy on women in fisheries in Sierra Leone: a case study of Tombo and Goderich fishing communities
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Oceans Sustainability, Governance & Management
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Sierra Leone
First Advisor
Kathleen Auld
Abstract
This study assesses the impact of illiteracy on women in the artisanal fisheries sector in Sierra Leone, focusing on two major fishing communities of Tombo and Goderich. Women play a pivotal role in the fisheries sector especially in the value chain activities such as processing, preservation, and marketing, yet their contributions are undervalued and marginalized. Using a mixed methods approach that combined structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the study examines literacy challenges faced by the research targeted group, and the role played by institutional stakeholders in enhancing their literacy and socio-economic empowerment. Results obtained from this study reveal that illiteracy hinders women’s ability to access financial services, understand fisheries regulations, negotiate fair market prices, and participate in decision making processes. Thus, stakeholders such as government ministries, NGOs, local fishermen’s associations, and donor agencies have implemented various programmes, such as literacy trainings on financial management, processing, and advocacy campaigns. Nonetheless, these interventions are often fragmented, short term, and constrained by limited resources and weak enforcement mechanisms. However, literacy programs were found to positively influence women’s confidence, income generation, and leadership roles, playing a critical role in advancing gender equality and sustainable fisheries development. Thus, a comprehensive, multi stakeholder strategy focusing on sustained literacy programs, gender sensitive policies, and infrastructure development is essential for empowering women in Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5.