Factors Influencing the Economic Performance of Women Fish Processors: The Case of Small Scale Omena Fish Processors in Lake Victoria-Homabay County, Kenya

Abstract

In Homabay County, women are predominant in fish marketing and processing. However there are bottlenecks towards women economic progress. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics are indicators of performance in the society. A study was undertaken to understand the constraints to economic performance among women fish processors. Structured questionnaires were administered randomly to 120 women fish processors. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Results indicate that poor environmental condition and poor personal hygiene contribute to poor quality of fish. The study recommends that there is the need for awareness creation on food safety regulations and implementation of environmental management systems.

Keywords: Women, Fish Processing, Economic performance, Sanitation, Environmental Systems