Small-scale fisheries actors engage in different markets, from informal local to high-value export markets.

The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the small-scale fisheries sector. 

Small-scale actors play a central role in the fisheries value chain, but they are not always included in relevant decision-making processes. In particular, women are frequently excluded from such processes despite their considerable contribution to the post-harvest sector. The participation of small-scale fishworkers in decision-making processes is often hampered by limited organizational capacity and unequal access to assets, technology, financial resources, education and services. Addressing these issues can improve both access to markets and participation in relevant decision-making processes, thus contributing to fair distribution of benefits, enhanced livelihoods and food security. In line with the recommendations of the SSF Guidelines, the FAO GLOBEFISH supports the following areas of work: 

• Capacity development of individuals and organizations on market functions, to prepare small-scale fisheries actors to engage with and compete in formal markets;
• Enhance value chains and post-harvest operations in small-scale fisheries;
• Promote and improve market access and international trade.