Gender Differences in Fish Marketing Margins: A Case of Katosi Fish Landing Site in Mukono District. Uganda.

Abstract

While women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in Uganda's fisheries, gender- based constraints often limit their profitability. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 118 fish traders at Katosi Fish Landing Site in Mukono District, Uganda. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regressions. The findings reveal a significant gender disparity in marketing margins. Male traders earned an average annual margin of UGX 23,374,233, significantly higher (p<0.01) than the UGX 7,862,239 earned by female traders. Regression analysis (R² = 0.529) identified key factors influencing these margins. The volume of fish traded, the species handled (with Tilapia and Nile perch yielding higher margins than silver fish), the selling price, and the trader's age and experience were all positive and significant predictors of marketing margins. Notably, gender itself was a significant factor, with male traders achieving higher returns even after controlling for other variables. The study concludes that fish marketing margins at Katosi are shaped by a combination of market dynamics and trader characteristics, with significant underlying gender inequalities. Men benefit from larger trading volumes and better access to high-value species and markets. To promote equitable participation, the study recommends implementing gender-inclusive policies that improve women's access to capital and high-value market channels, as well as investments in preservation technology to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance trader competitiveness. Keywords: Gender Disparities, Fish Marketing Margins, Katosi Landing Site, Uganda, Value Chain.