Helping men and women fisherfolk in the Philippines to build back—and better
The loss of livelihoods resulting from Typhoon Haiyan had far-reaching effects on the overall quality of life of Filipino fishers, particularly for women, who play an important role in the post-harvest processing of fish.
© FAO
When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in 2013, 73 percent of coastal communities were severely affected and approximately two-thirds of small-scale fishers lost their productive assets—including boats, fishing gear and post-harvest equipment.
The rehabilitation process of the fisheries sector presented the opportunity to introduce improved practices and help small-scale traders and fish processors add more value to their production. Paving the way for more sustainable development, FAO worked closely with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and local authorities to restore the fisheries-related livelihoods of nearly 18 000 fisher households in the regions of Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and northern Palawan.
As part of the programme, the provision of post-harvest kits and related training activities enabled fish farmers, particularly women, to consolidate production at the household level and to engage with larger markets. The project encouraged women’s organizations to explore other value-adding practices using more innovative drying technologies and to reduce fish wastage, therefore increasing their household income.