Workspace of women in the small-scale ornamental fish value chain in Kerala

Abstract

Aquarium fish keeping is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. The growing demand of aquarium fish has evolved into a USD 8 billion industry globally. It has the potential to become an important source of employment and income, especially for empowering women financially, as it can be taken as a leisure time activity and allows balance between productive and reproductive roles. The present study was conducted in Panangad and Kotatt regions which belong to Ernakulam and Thrissur districts respectively in Kerala, India. The study attempted to identify the gender activity profile in ornamental fish culture and compare the attitude of the women in undertaking the activity in two selected survey sites, one a rural area (Kotatt) and one a semi-urban area (Panangad). The attitudes of the women in both areas were marked against a 5 point Semantic scale. It was found that the attitude of women in Panangad towards ornamental fish farming was negative with scores more towards the negative adjectives describing the culture. They felt that the culture was a loss making activity, having no impact on their economic status. The families in Kotatt region had a more positive attitude towards the culture.They felt the farming was stimulating and fetched them profits and better economic opportunities.