The Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) Value Chain in Lake Victoria: Livelihoods, Gender Dynamics, and Constraints Among Small-Scale Actors

Small indigenous fish species play critical roles in livelihoods across Sub-Saharan Africa, yet their value chains remain poorly understood, particularly regarding gender dynamics and economic constraints. This study examined income levels, livelihood diversification, value chain constraints, and gender-differentiated roles in the Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) value chain along Kenya's Lake Victoria shores. Primary data were collected from 115 respondents (31 producers, 29 processors, 55 traders) across five riparian counties. Results revealed significant seasonal income variation, with boat owners earning mean monthly incomes of KES 72,441 (low season) to KES 126,000 (high season; 73.9% increase, p < 0.001), while crew earned KES 9,548 to KES 24,651 (158.2% increase, p = 0.010). Producers demonstrated long-term commitment (mean 15.7 years’ experience), with 51.6% engaging in vertical integration across multiple value chain segments. Post-harvest losses affected 80.6% of producers and 54.5% of traders, representing critical systemic inefficiency. The value chain exhibited extreme gender segmentation: production was 71% male-dominated while processing (93% female) and trading (80% female) showed overwhelming female concentration. Among boat owners, male monthly earnings (KES 151,469) exceeded female earnings (KES 58,083) by 2.6-fold. Processing revealed net-drying dominance (96.6%), with 82.1% targeting human consumption versus animal feed. Multiple intersecting barriers constrain women's advancement: limited asset control, cultural restrictions on night fishing, time poverty from domestic responsibilities, and mobility constraints. These findings demonstrate Omena fishing as a sustained livelihood strategy generating substantial income alongside persistent gender inequities, post-harvest inefficiencies, and seasonal vulnerabilities. Transformative value chain development requires integrated interventions addressing post-harvest infrastructure, gender-equitable access to productive assets, financial inclusion mechanisms, and climate-resilient processing technologies while centering women's voices in policy formulation.